835.00/1–946: Airgram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile (Bowers)
us urgent
29. Urtels 3560 and 37 January 9. Ambassador Mora called at Dept today with reference to Ambassador Berle’s press conference. Sincere regret was expressed and he was informed that the reference in question 1) had been clearly made “off the record” and 2) that it had not been accurately reported.
Berle was speaking in answer to an inquiry concerning a recent article by Virginia Prewett filed from Buenos Aires January 6 and after pointing out that the report of activities of the GOU was not new he stated “I think I had better stick to my own district. Off the record, we knew that in late 1943 and early 1944, attempts were made to foment such groups in Bolivia, Chile, Peru and probably in [Page 578] Paraguay. These met with varying degrees of success—not very successful anywhere except in Bolivia. End of off the record.”
The matter was also discussed today with the Associated Press which is cabling the following additional story to Santiago:
“A State Department spokesman said today that a statement concerning the Argentine GOU in Chile was misquoted. The spokesman explained that at his news conference on January 8 Mr. Berle was questioned concerning an article written by Virginia Prewett of the Chicago Sun Syndicate filed from Buenos Aires on January 6 to the effect that the GOU in Argentina was attempting to form similar Army Officer groups in other South American countries.
“In response to this question the spokesman pointed out that as correspondents knew attempts had been made, some time ago and without success, by the GOU to foment such groups in various countries.”
It is hoped that this will prove satisfactory to the Chilean Foreign Office. We are of the opinion that for the Department to issue a press release would merely draw further attention to the matter.
- Not printed.↩