760D.61/809

Memorandum of Conversation, by the Chief of the Division of the American Republics (Duggan)

Mr. Gazitúa9 left with me the attached memorandum summarizing the reasons for the Chilean decision not to join with the other American countries in issuing a statement condemning the Soviet invasion of Finland. Sr. Grazitúa inquired whether this Government had yet replied to the circular telegram from the President of Panama.

I informed Sr. Gazitúa that on December 12 this Government had replied to the Secretary of Foreign Relations of Panama informing him that it was prepared to join with the other American countries in the issuance of such a statement, after recalling that the President of the United States had on December 1 already issued a similar declaration.

Laurence Duggan
[Annex—Translation]

The Chilean Embassy to the Department of State

1.
The draft Joint Declaration by the American countries violates the spirit of the Panama Conference whose object was to secure neutrality in the presence of the European war and its possible effects.
2.
The situation produced between Finland and the Soviet Union is a clear consequence of said war.
3.
The position we say American countries are to adopt contrasts with the cautious attitude of the interested principals, France and Great Britain, and with the rest of the European neutrals.
4.
The purpose of Argentina and the other American countries to universalize principles and doctrines adopted in view of the situation and special interests of our continent, will create an untoward precedent and involve the American countries in European complications from which we ought to keep ourselves aloof.
5.
The action of the said countries in support of the League of Nations is sufficient to satisfy their doctrinaire postulates.
  1. Guillermo Gazitúa, Counselor of the Chilean Embassy.