711.25/7–849

The Ambassador in Chile (Bowers) to the Assistant Secretary of State for American Republic Affairs (Miller)

Dear Mr. Miller: A false news item here gave me the impression that you had entered upon your new duties quite a while before the confirmation, and I wrote you June 7th1 on that assumption.…

When the copper crisis struck, I sent a number of telegrams strongly urging every possible assistance addressed to Webb and you—still on the assumption that you were in the saddle.2 It appears that the Department, [Page 600] the President, and the Banks are thoroughly cognizant of the gravity of the threat to Chilean economy because of the unexpected drop in copper and that the most sympathetic consideration is being given to ways and means of carrying this country through the crisis. The Communists, the old Nazi element, the pro-Peronists, and the feudalistic group, now on its way out, were delighted over the prospect of an economic collapse that would close mines, create serious unemployment, and bring suffering to thousands of people since all these elements feed on misery. If through the destruction of Chilean economy they can impose a totalitarian regime on the ruins of Chilean democracy, they would be happy.

I have tried to impress on the Department the notorious fact that the democratic institutions of this country which have functioned militantly in an atmosphere of freedom are a veritable bulwark against totalitarianism on the continent, and constantly provocation to the dictatorial ambitions of some neighboring countries. We cannot afford to let Chile down.…

I hope that we continue to give the most serious consideration to ways and means of preventing an economic collapse here which might easily constitute the gravest of threats to the democratic regime.

On the Fourth—or rather the 5th—Riesco, the Foreign Minister, an exceptionally able man, was the principal speaker at our celebration and his address was all that we could have wished. Both he and Baltra have just appeared before the Senate in secret session to express their complete satisfaction with our reaction to Chile’s problem.

Sincerely,

Claude G. Bowers
  1. Not printed.
  2. See footnote 1 to telegram 315, June 15, p. 594.