825.7962/2–945
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of War (Stimson)
My Dear Mr. Secretary: Reference is made to the War Department’s letter of February 9, 1945 and to a memorandum dated April 13, 194528 from Col. P. W. Edwards, Deputy Chief, Pan American Group, OPD–WDGS,29 concerning the placing of a special engineering mission to assist the Chilean Government in the construction of airfields. As you know, this matter has recently received the consideration of the State–War–Navy Coordinating Committee and of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
In view of the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the effect that where considered necessary or advisable by authorized agencies the United States may, through existing channels, extend assistance to the Latin American Republics in the construction of airfields, it is this Department’s view that the War Department should proceed with the [Page 744] assignment of the mission to Chile. It is understood that no commitments with regard to the furnishing of lend-lease are to be made. It is further understood that a technician from the Civil Aeronautics Administration will be a member of the special mission.
Sincerely yours,
Assistant Secretary