Office of the Historian

740.0011 European War 1939/27717

Memorandum by Mr. Archibald E. Gray of the Division of the American Republics29

[Washington,] February 16, 1943.

Communications From Chilean Government Regarding Protective Measures

The Embassy at Santiago has transmitted to Señor Fernández, Chilean Foreign Minister, the suggestions contained in the Department’s telegram no. 68, January 20, 1943, 4 p.m., on exchange of [Page 809] officials with the Axis powers, and has offered the assistance of qualified officers for the supervision of postal, cable, radio and telecommunications. Fernández replied to the effect that the Chilean Government is maintaining a close watch over international communications, including messages en elair from Axis diplomats (which require the approval of the Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs before action is taken on them), has detained about 200 suspected persons of German and Japanese nationality, has adopted measures to prevent sabotage and subversive activities, and will utilize all legal measures to stop Axis propaganda.

These communications are considered as further evidence of the desire of Fernández to cooperate with the United States.

  1. Addressed to the Chief of the Division of the American Republics, Philip W. Bonsai, to Paul C. Daniels, James H. Wright, and John R. Toop, also of that Division, and to the Adviser on Political Relations, Laurence Duggan.↩