Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Volume V, Microfiche Supplement, American Republics

CH–7. Telegram from the Ambassador in Chile (Howe) to the Department of State¹

Santiago, July 14, 1958, 4 p.m.

15. Foreign Minister² expecting question in House July 15 re Chilean commitment on sale strategic copper question reportedly based on article appearing local press on July 13 from special correspondent at UN pointing out Chile has no UN commitment on sale copper but Chile’s only commitment due obligations under Battle Act.³ Foreign Minister stated he would attempt forestall further discussion copper UN forum pending COCOM decision.

He also advised new report from Chilean Ambassador Paris⁴ alleging various governments western Europe not interested removal copper or only interested removal copper in manner favoring African producers. He unable provide details any proposal favor African producers but reiterated his feeling important U.S. take positive stand for removal copper from strategic list in manner equitable all producers.

Howe

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 825.2542/7–1458. Official Use Only.
2. Alberto Sepulveda Contreras.
3. Reference is to the Mutual Defense Assistance Control Act of 1951 (P.L. 213), approved October 26, 1951, commonly called the Battle Act after Rep. Laurie C. Battle of Alabama; for text, see 65 State 644. The Battle Act required termination of U.S. aid to any recipient country which shipped arms or atomic energy materials to the Soviet Bloc.
4. Juan B. Rossetti.