740.0011 European War 1939/27257: Airgram
The Ambassador in Chile (Bowers) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 18—5 p.m.]
A–69. The fear of eventual attack by Peru on Chile is seriously entertained by the Chilean General Staff. In part, this belief is due to the fact that the Foreign Minister,42 in his last exposé of the international situation at the secret session of the Senate, emphasized the growing power and military equipment of Peru as an argument in favor of breaking relations with the Axis and joining destinies with the United States. Other pro-rupture elements have used the same argument and it has been effective.43
However, the continuance of this state of fear following Chile’s rupture with the Axis would be unfortunate. Fantastic rumors are circulating and are believed. One ranking officer is saying that it is understood in the army that Peru had 200 combat planes and 1,000 tanks. In part, these rumors and this fear are being fanned by pro-Axis elements and those who endeavor to bring about a close alliance with Argentina.