Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1940, The American Republics, Volume V

825.51/1177: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile ( Bowers )

Washington , January 8, 1940—3 p.m.

8. From the Under Secretary. Pedregal²⁰ left for Santiago by airplane January 6. He came to see me before leaving and expressed the hope that he might be able to return to Washington within 3 weeks. His trip to Santiago is due to the resignation of Wachholtz²¹ and for the purpose of assuring himself that the new Minister of Finance will continue to support him in his mission to this country. Pedregal has made an admirable impression here, and the projects which he has outlined to me seem to me constructive and practical.

The negotiations undertaken by Ambassador Bianchi²² are continuing, and I think he is fully aware of the fact that this Government is going out of its way to try and find the opportunity for cooperation. I believe that a definite decision with regard to this latter question may be expected in the near future. [Welles.]

Hull

20. Guillerino del Pedregál, Executive Vice President, Corporación de Fomento de la Producción.
21. Roberto Wachholtz, former Minister of Finance.
22. Manuel Bianchi, Chilean Ambassador to Spain on special mission in the United States to purchase military supplies.