825.014/59
The Ambassador in Chile (Armour) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 28.]
Sir: I have the honor to report as of possible interest to the Department that from several sources members of the staff of the mission have heard suggestions that the present (in view of Chile’s great need for money) would be a particularly advantageous time for Chile and the United States to reach an agreement transferring ownership of Easter Island from the former to the latter. While none of the people who have mentioned the idea is especially influential (two, however, have close friendships among Leftist leaders), it is not without some significance that the idea is being propagated, and it is not inconceivable that in time Chilean official circles may decide to explore the possibilities.
The Embassy is keeping under reference in this connection the Department’s strictly confidential instruction No. 315 of February 4, 1938.61
Respectfully yours,
- Not printed. It stated that “while the United States Government has entertained at no time the desire to acquire or to lease Easter Island, it does in fact have a definite interest in any proposed sale or lease of this island to a non-American power.” The Chargé was authorized to express to the appropriate Chilean authorities this interest of his Government (825.014/54)↩