740.25112A/5–846
Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. Alexander Schnee of the Division of North and West Coast Affairs
| Participants: | Sr. Mario Illanes, Commercial Counselor, Chilean Embassy |
| ES—Mr. Monsma | |
| Miss White | |
| NWC—Mr. Brundage | |
| Mr. Schnee |
This meeting was called by the Department in order to provide Mr. Illanes with the opportunity to review the status of the Proclaimed List with the interested Departmental officers.
Mr. Illanes opened the conversation by stating that an impression existed in Chile that the United States would not consider the withdrawal [Page 585] of the Chilean list prior to the time when the United States Government was prepared to withdraw proclaimed lists throughout the world. He added that Chile had cooperated very closely with the United States in this matter but that the feeling prevailed in Santiago that no matter what action they took they would not be able to obtain the withdrawal of the list prior to the withdrawal in other countries. He said that his Government felt that in view of their whole-hearted cooperation they expected to obtain a prior withdrawal of the list in Chile. Mr. Illanes stated that his Government was under the impression they had complied completely with the requests emanating from the discussions in this matter in October–November 1945.
Mr. Monsma at this point referred to the November conversations with Mr. Ruiz and stated that we had not received the information requested at that time. Mr. Illanes again referred to the fact that no progress had been made since that date.
Mr. Schnee then stated that on the operating level in the Department we had been studying a memorandum drawn up by Mr. Monsma setting forth precisely the information required in order to enable us to give further consideration to the Chilean request. A copy of this memorandum was given to Mr. Illanes with the understanding that it did not constitute a memorandum to the Chilean Embassy but that for his convenience we were pleased to give him a copy of this “work” document.
Mr. Illanes read the document and said that he was very pleased to have it and that for the first time he understood exactly what was required of the Chilean Government. He said he would transmit it to Santiago. Mr. Monsma and Mr. Schnee pointed out that considering the length of time this matter had been under discussion we had been confident that the appropriate Chilean authorities were fully informed in this matter but that as time went on and we did not receive the data required Ave thought it advisable to draw up such a memorandum for our own use.
Mr. Illanes again referred to the prevailing opinion in Santiago to the effect that the Chilean Government had supplied all the information required but that it would be of little avail in view of their belief that the United States Government would not permit prior withdrawal of the list in Chile. Mr. Illanes reiterated that this memorandum would help in clarifying the situation. (A copy of the memorandum in question is attached.)74
- Not printed.↩