825.6362/40: Telegram

The Ambassador in Chile (Collier) to the Secretary of State

186. Have continued efforts to secure modification of coal and petroleum bill. Minister of Foreign Affairs on November 30th answered note referred to in telegram 168, November 2, 4 p.m., reiterating that [Page 541] Chilean Government felt copper companies had delayed unduly in making protests and also challenged accuracy of their figures and conclusions and stated that it was difficult to accede to request for prolongation of the study of this measure but that “as a demonstration of its good will the Government had proposed to Congress an addition to law permitting President of the Republic for a period of one year to make resolutions as to the matter if he believed such action consistent with national interest.” I understand intention is to authorize President to suspend or modify application of law if in his judgment wise. Meantime thorough investigation of the situation will be made.

William Braden30 has had numerous conferences with President and Minister of Hacienda as to this bill and also existing tax laws and is about to leave, hopeful and fairly well satisfied with this arrangement. There has been a formal interchange of notes between him and Minister of Hacienda providing for such a study of entire situation in fulfillment of assurance given me by Foreign Office as above-mentioned.31

Collier
  1. Mining engineer and capitalist of New York.
  2. In telegram No. 29, Feb. 8, 1928, 3 p.m. (not printed), the Ambassador in Chile informed the Department that the coal law had been signed by the President on Jan. 9, 1928 (file No. 825.6362/43).