825.014/67
The Chargé in Chile (Frost) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 5.]
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Department’s Instructions Nos. 241 and 242 of August 4 and August 12, 1939, respectively, with regard to the general problem of naval strategy in the southern Pacific and to the possibility of the utilization of Easter Island for naval communications or other purposes.
In the temporary absence of the Foreign Minister I had an informal interview with the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Señor Jocelín de la Maza, on the 28th instant. This was in a sense preferable to an interview with Señor Ortega, as subsequently to the preparation [Page 468] of despatches Nos. 780 and 781 it had been learned that Señor de la Maza has been the official most interested in the problems above indicated. In compliance with the Department’s instructions I alluded to the discussions respecting the Galápagos Islands, with which the Under Secretary was familiar, and to the position assumed by the United States at that time, particularly as to the territorial integrity of the Latin American Republics. Señor de la Maza evidently appreciated this latter point, and also indicated that the sentiment in his own country would not regard favorably any openly-announced understanding by which Easter Island could be made available for any type of use by any non-Chilean power.
The Under Secretary was frank in stating that his own interest in Chile’s position in the naval and political strategy of the Pacific has been greater than that of his colleagues in the Foreign Office; but went on to say that he still feels that his country should be an element of strength for the democratic powers in this part of the world. He had previously informed Secretary Trueblood that he would be glad to see political cooperation, as contradistinguished from economic cooperation, between the United States, Chile and other “liberal” American republics.
With reference to his possible designation as Chilean Ambassador to Germany he stated that he does not anticipate this designation, although he would be willing to serve if called upon. It appears that he was brought up in a German-Chilean community in the south, and that his primary education was in a German school; so that he at one time was conversant with the German language, a conversancy which he says he has not at all maintained.
Respectfully yours,