800.6363/574: Telegram

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

493. Further reference my 463, March 23; 474, March 24 and Department’s 337, March 25.38 To conserve gasoline stocks Chilean pool committee March 25 reduced deliveries by distributing committees 20% and recommended to Government immediate prohibition use private motorcar Sundays and holidays but at Cabinet meeting March 27 this proposal rejected as too drastic. Committee thereupon increased reduction gasoline deliveries to 25% and hopes apply card rationing system about May 1. On basis reduced deliveries it is hoped stocks will last until approximately April 20 whereas according to latest information tanker Svithiod delayed further 2 days not arriving Valparaiso before April 15. As any further delay to Svithiod would mean complete exhaustion gasoline stocks, imperative that Department continue to do everything possible to hasten arrival this vessel and also of additional tanker which I understand has been allotted.

Foreign Office officially notified March 28 consumption of all petroleum products should be curtailed immediately by at least 15% and that necessity further curtailment probable.

Bowers
  1. Telegrams Nos. 474 and 337 not printed.