825.6374/1125: Telegram

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

52. The reference in United Press despatches to “friendly representations” by the United States Government has been used by the Government to inspire press articles indicating a lack of resolution on the part of the American Government to press its representations. One newspaper even characterized the representations as routine and lacking in gravity. I spoke to the Minister for Foreign Affairs yesterday about publicity, telling him that it is our policy not to give out any statements and that I hoped it might be possible to avoid controversial declarations in the Chilean press. However, the Minister of Finance continues his policy of building up his case through misrepresentations of the situation in the newspapers.

My conference with the President today was not satisfactory. He discoursed diffusely on the political situation and on other collateral matters. He asserted that it is the intention of his Government to respect its international obligations but argued first that an interference with private contract is not a subject for representations and then said that for the Government to reverse its action would mean its downfall. It was clear that his Ministers had not told him all the truth and that he had been brooding over his troubles. In the 40 minutes’ conversation I had an opportunity to explain the true situation and perhaps with this fuller knowledge we may be able to find a solution satisfactory to private interests while preserving the Government’s prestige. I shall talk the matter over at length with the Minister for Foreign Affairs on Monday and then see the President again.

Culbertson