825.5045/11–1546
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State for American Republic Affairs (Braden)24
The attached memorandum of November 1525 on the Braden Copper Company strike is interesting, but the ILH and ED impressions are without any merit whatsoever. We have not concerned ourselves with the details of the labor agreement but have limited our consideration of the matter to the broad principles of the relations between our two countries and the protection of American interests. If this company is to get a thorough shellacking simply because of the Communist [Page 615] maneuvering, it could have highly deleterious effects on public opinion in this country which would be reflected in our relations.
As for Mr. Horowitz’ points:
- (1)
- While we have not made the issue of discrimination, actually discrimination does exist on this particular matter because, insofar as I know, no Chilean copper mine, and for that matter not even the Chile and Andes Companies, has been subjected to the same treatment.
- Incidentally while on the subject of discrimination, there has been very blatant discrimination against the American companies on the score of both exchange and taxes, not to mention other special regulations.
- (2)
- To excuse the present situation on the score that the actions being taken against the company “conform to the general pattern”, is no excuse whatsoever. If this excuse were valid, then it is high time that the pattern be changed.
Finally, if we do not protect the legitimate interests of U.S. nationals in the face of such Communist attacks, then God help defense of the hemisphere, solidarity, Good Neighborliness and all of the policies and principles for which we stand.