825.00/2066a
The Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Navy (Knox)
My Dear Mr. Secretary: The American Ambassador at Santiago, Chile,51 has informed the Department that there have been persistent rumors in Chile that an Axis inspired revolution might occur in that country. The recent revolution in Bolivia has increased the uneasiness in Chile. While the Ambassador has no information pointing to the imminence of a revolutionary movement in Chile, he feels nevertheless that it would be desirable for this Government to send a United States vessel to Valparaiso as a demonstration of solidarity and friendship with the Chilean Government. A report from the United States Ambassador in Buenos Aires51a states that the German military attaché is supposed to have said that a revolution in Chile is imminent.
In view of this situation of possible threat to the defense of the Hemisphere, I believe a courtesy visit of an American cruiser to Valparaiso would be helpful and I would therefore appreciate your endeavoring to arrange for such a visit as soon as practicable.
Sincerely yours,