611.2531/367: Telegram

The Chargé in Chile (Frost) to the Secretary of State

166. Referring to the Department’s No. 126, September 25, 8 p.m. Ortega has just promised to prepare this afternoon a statement for the press accepting our offers for the trade agreement which statement he hopes to deliver to me after discussing its wording sometime between 7 and 9 o’clock this evening. The announcement of intention to negotiate could then be given to the press simultaneously at Santiago, Panama, and Washington during the night or tomorrow morning.

If Department desires announcement thus expedited I suggest that arrangements be made for action upon a telegram from this Embassy this evening although past experience indicates the possibility that some delay may yet arise.

Ortega’s acceptance is based upon his understanding that the Department will definitely use its best efforts to secure the admission of the Cía. Sudamericana de Vapores to the steamship conference; and it would be well for the Department to confirm this understanding at the earliest possible moment.

Frost