611.2531/591b: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile (Bowers)
173. Department’s 172, December 16, 5 p.m.39 In view of developments here, and because a definite decision has already been reached that no reduction in or binding of the copper tax can be included in the trade agreement, it has been decided to issue a public statement to that effect. Before doing so, however, we wish to assure ourselves that the Chilean Government has no objection to such action. Please get in touch with the appropriate officials at once, therefore, in the sense of the foregoing and reply as soon as possible. This proposal has been mentioned to Gazitua, who is agreeable to its being taken up through you in this manner. He suggested that you confer with the Undersecretary of Commerce, mentioning the statement by the latter reported at the end of page 2 of your despatch 181 of November 29.39
If your reply is received in time, our statement will be issued on Monday and you will be informed by telegram.