810.74/442a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile (Bowers)
982. This Government is deeply disturbed at the fact that the Government of Chile continues to maintain telecommunication circuits with the Axis. By doing so, it upholds the hands of the Axis in its struggle to overcome the free peoples of the American continent. The information that is supplied to the Axis by the channels which Chile keeps open makes as material a contribution to the Axis cause as if Chile were supplying the Axis armed forces with the actual materials of war. It may be measured in terms of the torpedoes that are sinking the ships and thereby disrupting the vital communications of the American republics.
The Department, taking cognizance of frequent verbal assurances of complete solidarity and cooperation on the part of the Chilean Government, feels sure that President Ríos and the Foreign Minister would not continue to countenance this extension of aid to the Axis if they were fully aware of the wounds being inflicted on the entire American community of nations as a result of it. The Department’s assurance is reinforced by the Foreign Minister’s statement that, if we presented proof (as we have done) of the misuse of the Axis circuits, the Chilean Government would take prompt action to remedy the situation. The Department feels that time is of the essence in remedying it.
You should find an immediate opportunity to impress this situation anew upon President Ríos, reporting to the Department the results of your representations.