810.20 Defense/1990
Memorandum by Mr. LaVerne Baldwin of the Division of the American Republics
Straits of Magellan
In conversation with the Chilean Ambassador23 on January 26, mention was made that Rossetti had not signed an agreement with Argentina on the Straits of Magellan, during his visit to Buenos Aires, and I stated, in a questioning tone, that probably Rossetti would continue the matter when passing through Buenos Aires en route home.
The Ambassador did not confirm that the agreement would then be completed, but said that he did not feel that fortification of these Straits was very important, for ships could go around Cape Horn with only one day’s travel additional required to that via the Straits of Magellan. The use of the Straits, he said, was necessary in the days of sailing ships, but modern powered vessels could easily round the Horn without danger.
- Rodolfo Michels.↩