740.0011 European War 1939/27704: Telegram
President Roosevelt to the President of Chile (Ríos)
The information that Your Excellency’s Government has severed diplomatic and consular relations with Germany, Italy and Japan reached me in Casablanca. It was received with the most profound satisfaction by all of us who had assembled there to plan the offensives which will destroy the Axis menace. Upon my return to Washington I hasten to reply to your cordial message of January 20.
The decision which has been taken under your leadership will be welcomed not only by the peoples of the other American republics but also by liberty-loving people everywhere as a practical measure of support from a nation whose tradition of freedom and whose devotion to democratic institutions are known wherever liberty and individual dignity are cherished. I share the confidence expressed by Your Excellency in the definitive triumph of the noble cause for which we are all striving.
I am pleased to have this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency my very best wishes for your personal well being.