Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The American Republics, Volume IX

710 Conference W and PW/2–1245: Telegram

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

Santiago, February 12, 1945—4 p.m.
[Received February 13—1:21 a.m.]

207. Foreign Office states the principal Chilean aims at the Mexico City Conference are:

1. Adherence to agenda and avoidance of unforeseen proposals.

2. Chile has already requested clarification of the phrase “complementary measures” in point I of the agenda.

3. Regarding point II paragraph A, Chile intends to make a broad reservation as regards Dumbarton Oaks provisions not agreed to by the Great Powers. While accepting the creation of an international organization based upon the fundamental rights of States, Chile will propose that definition of these rights be entrusted to a juridical committee who will report to the next Pan American Conference or a special conference suggesting inclusion of respect for treaties and effective observance of juridical equality of States.

4. Chile will advocate the right of adherence to the new international organization at appropriate time by all countries and the right of withdrawal under certain circumstances.

5. It will propose better balance between the Security Council and the Assembly by increasing elective or semi-permanent members of Council and requiring approval of certain measures by the Assembly, strongly supporting present World Court as sole organ of international peace.

6. As to peaceful solution of conflicts Chile will insist upon greater authority for the Assembly and regulation of means of compulsion. Considers definition of aggression desirable although difficult. Accepts world-wide military collaboration subject to certain domestic and international requirements but opposes adoption of international law as domestic law so as to conflict with constitutional procedures. Will express general agreement with chapters 9 and 10 of Dumbarton Oaks, suggest amendment of chapter 11 and addition of a protocol concerning transitory provisions.

7. With respect to regional agreements or systems Chile believes existing Pan American system should be perfected and given explicit preference in settlement of regional conflicts, excluding the world system until failure occurs. It will oppose creation of an American League of Nations or political advisory body. It will reassert its opinion that measures of compulsion must take into account geographic, political and economic factors and will require a certain vote in the Assembly and in the Council; in case of military measures additional steps will be necessary, all countries not being bound unless such vote is attained, and military collaboration will be voluntary in case of conflicts in other regions not involving world peace.

8. Chile proposes if practicable to establish definition such terms “resolution”, “recommendation” and “declaration” whose indiscriminate use creates confusion and faulty interpretation.

Chilean delegation intends to broach in economic field only such fundamentals to stabilization of hemispheric economy as protection of basic American industries (resolution 9 of Rio Conference⁷²); the creation or perfection of systems of inter-American credit for development of production; facilities for intensified industrialization of American nations and avoidance unemployment. Chileans believe matters of secondary importance should be held over for discussion at technical Pan American Economic Conference next June.

Embassy believes Foreign Minister Fernández may emphasize privately of our delegates advisability of promptly including [concluding?] Chilean-United States Trade Agreement.

Repeated to Mexico City.

Bowers

72. Third Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the American Republics, held at Rio de Janeiro, January 15–28, 1942. For text of the resolution, see Department of State Bulletin, February 7, 1942, p. 126; for documentation on the Conference, see Foreign Relations, 1942, vol. v, pp. 6 ff.