810.74/911: Telegram
The Ambassador in Chile (Bowers) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:44 p.m.]
266. Ricnz [Ricci], Manager Transradio Chilena, has requested instruction from Director Posts and Telegraphs to close the company’s direct Berlin and Tokio radio circuits which are carrying no traffic. The Director has declined to issue such instruction claiming closure of these circuits is a matter of company decision. It is surmised that he does not wish to act fearing that were he to order closure the company might allege force majeure as the reason for dismissal of operators whose services are no longer required and refuse them payment of discharge indemnities thereby giving rise to protests which could prove embarrassing to the Government.
As I am of the opinion that the Berlin and Tokio radio circuits should be closed I recommend that RCA and CRIC instruct Jory and Blood, respectively, to introduce and support a motion to this effect at the next meeting of Transradio directors which I understand is scheduled for February 16.