810.74/863a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the American Delegate on the Emergency Advisory Committee for Political Defense (Spaeth)

796. From Chapin.20 The following is a paraphrase of telegram No. 2219 of December 23, 3 [2] p.m., received from Ambassador Bowers:

“The Chilean Foreign Office, disturbed over the reported introduction of a motion calling for strong control of communications from and to those nations which as yet have not severed diplomatic relations with the Axis powers, has instructed its Ambassador in Montevideo to ask that consideration of this motion be delayed. Since the breaking of relations by Chile is imminent, Ambassador Bowers feels that it would be well to forget the motion until some time after the first of the year, particularly since the Foreign Office has no objection to the motion once Chile has broken, but fears that the motion itself may be interpreted by opponents in Chile as undue pressure and an attack on the national dignity of Chile. Ambassador Bowers adds that he understands that this motion was introduced by the American delegate.”

The Department concurs in the Ambassador’s opinion and therefore requests that you delay action on the motion until further notice from the Department. [Chapin.]

Hull
  1. Assistant Chief, Division of the American Republics.