825.248/220: Telegram

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

120. The following telegram has been sent to the Under Secretary.

My telegram No. 118, January 20, 11 p.m. The following is the revised estimate of the United States Air Mission here of the minimum number of planes and anti-aircraft guns needed to make a possibly successful showing against surprise air attack from the Japanese on the strategic points along an 800 mile Chilean coastal stretch: 12 long range bombing reconnaissance planes. Preferably 36 but at least 24 interceptor pursuit planes. Forty-two 20-millimeter antiaircraft guns and twenty-one 37-millimeter anti-aircraft. It would be necessary to have full American combat and maintenance crews at least for the first few weeks.

Could you promise immediate arrival of such equipment?

Bowers