740.0011 European War 1939/22389: Telegram
The Ambassador in Chile (Bowers) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 23—3:55 a.m.]
1021. For Welles. Barros Jarpa30 this afternoon at my house set forth a plan he mentioned to me Saturday at lunch that he is prepared to inform the Missions of Germany, Italy and Japan that they no longer can communicate with their Governments in code and he thinks this will lead to a controversy eventuating in the breaking of relations. He wants to know if we will take this as proof that a pretext is being sought and with a certainty of finding it soon with the intention of breaking relations.
It seems a big step forward. Sentiment here is changing so rapidly and is becoming so strong for breaking relations that I dare entertain the expectation that it is certain to come very soon.
In this connection he tells me he has just heard from his Ambassador in Washington that you had told him Chile could expect nothing more from us until relations are broken. He is to make an exposition on foreign affairs before Congress tomorrow and would prefer not to mention this ultimatum at that time since he says it would create an opposition in quarters where it does not exist. I am persuaded that he now knows that relations must be broken and that he is really searching for a pretext on which he can break without imperiling his personal prestige. Since outside this one phase he is strongly pro-American and pro-Ally this would be satisfactory to me. Your plain statement to Michels31 wipes out any false impressions that may have come from Davila.
Last night 10,000 people attended a homage to Mexico because of the war and with misgivings I agreed to attend on the stipulation that no attacks be made on the Government directly. None were made and I received a great ovation. The leaders of all parties that supported Ríos32 at the polls spoke in favor of Chile aligning herself vigorously on the side of complete alignment with the Allies. Marcella Mora, leader of the radicals, made a strong speech. It gives an impetus to public opinion forming in our favor.