Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, The American Republics, Volume VII

825.30 Missions/11–2344: Telegram

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

Santiago, November 23, 1944—2 p.m.
[Received 5:58 p.m.]

1824. I strongly recommend that any official request by the Chilean Government through diplomatic channels for the establishment of a United States naval mission in Chile, if made, be approved by the Department and that the actual establishment of a Naval Mission be expedited in every way possible. Since Naval Attaché⁵⁵ is under instructions from Navy Department not to take the initiative in this matter, no action will be taken by Embassy until instructions are received from Department (Reference Navy Department’s confidential serial 015417, July 1 this year⁵⁶). However the Naval Attaché was recently informed unofficially by two Chilean Navy Captains that Chilean Navy anticipated requesting such a mission in the near future in response to which Capitan Rockwell intimated that matter would be given every consideration in Washington if the request were made (see Naval Attaché serial 0941 to Chief Naval Operations dated November 15⁵⁶). In Rockwell’s opinion Admiral Merino, Commander-in-Chief of Chilean Navy, may shortly bring up question officially.

Bowers

55. Comdr. Joseph P. Rockwell.
56. Not found in Department files.
56. Not found in Department files.