Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1943, The American Republics, Volume V

825.00/2037: Telegram

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

Santiago, December 30, 1943—2 p.m.
[Received 7:15 p.m.]

2196. For the President, Secretary, Under Secretary, Duggan⁶⁸ and Bonsai. President Ríos asked me to see him at 11:00 this morning. Fernández was present. He said that Chile is surrounded “by volcanoes in a state of eruption”, mentioning Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and possibly Peru. No way of knowing precisely what may happen in reference to Chile from them. He says the Army here is most superior, as it undoubtedly is, and that Government has complete confidence in the Army supported as it is overwhelmingly by public opinion. In this connection he called attention to the strong democratic speech in support of Government by a leader of the opposition Senator Horacio Walker solicited by Fernández who wished in this way to make the policy national rather than partisan; and to the endorsement of speech by leaders of all the other parties. He thinks, however, that the democratic institutions of Chile are embarrassing to other nations and does not know the reactions of the irresponsible pro-Nazi elements in Argentine Government to Chile’s open adherence to the policy of United States. He says that to meet any possible emergency all Chile needs is a very few planes. At present have only training planes the others having been cancelled before the developments growing out of the Argentine-Bolivian conspiracy.

1. Cancellations made result Spears’⁶⁹ recommendation on ground that emergency here was over in that danger of Japanese invasion was over. This, of course, before it had become so clear that the plan is to create a second Nazi front in South America. Additional Catalinas are badly needed.

2. We understand that an additional Catalina was due in December and two more in February, this being information from Base Commander at Quintero, who was seeking information as to probable dates of arrival. President says this necessary for proper patrol of the coast and Straits. No doubt, I think, that should pro-Nazi bloc strike at Chile under Argentine leadership, would strike in Magallanes. I personally feel strongly that this is not an unreasonable request, and that it is one to our own interest and the interest of the cause we fight for, and that Chile’s coup [sic] intent and vigorous support of our position in the present crisis has richly earned our confidence.

3. The President repeated what Fernández had told me that all the economic and financial steps regarding Axis and in accordance with Rio agreements⁷⁰ will be carried out to letter and immediate steps being taken.

4. In reply to query submitted your 1344, December 29, 7 p.m.,⁷¹ thought appearance of United States war vessel at Valparaiso as though on coast patrol would have great moral effect here at critical time; that should it come, Government will make the most of it by way of entertainment, attention and publicity in a properly discreet way. I personally heartily agree. I think it important.

I address this also to President Roosevelt on request of President Ríos.

Bowers

68. Laurence Duggan, Adviser on Political Relations.
69. Rear Adm. W. O. Spears, Joint Brazil-United States Defense Commission.
70. For correspondence on the Third Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the American Republics held at Rio de Janeiro, January 15–28, 1942, see Foreign Relations, 1942, vol. v, pp. 6 ff. For text of resolutions, see Department of State Bulletin, February 7, 1942, pp. 117–141.
71. Not printed.