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

825.7962/6–445: Telegram

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

Washington, June 8, 1945—6 p.m.

436. Reurtel 716, June 4.³⁰ Organization of mission and assignment of specific personnel being pushed by War and State Departments. However, before mission is actually sent Department desires you to exchange notes with Chilean Government which make clear that mission is sent to assist Chilean Government in interest of aviation development and not for military purposes. Also, agreement should specify that mission will not be empowered to discuss lend-lease assistance which it is not possible to extend for these purposes. (Refer second paragraph FonOff Note 51, October 27).³¹

For your information mission of military officials being sent because of inability to arrange now for one composed of civilians. Present War Department plans envisage assignment of officers from Gen. Brett’s command to serve temporary duty attached to air mission for administrative purposes but not under its direction.

Please inform Department as soon as FonOff has agreed to assignment of mission on this basis.

Grew

30. Not printed.
31. Copy transmitted to the Department in despatch 11,187, November 30, 1944, from Santiago. The second paragraph requested that necessary equipment for airport development be made available as a charge against Lend-Lease funds. (825.7962/11–3044)