740.0011 European War, 1939/26705a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile (Bowers)
Washington, December
18, 1942—3 p.m.
1521. From the Under Secretary. Morales has communicated to the President the decision of the Chilean Government immediately to break relations with the Axis. My own conversations with Morales have been concerned with the following points:
- (1)
- Although I have tactfully pointed out to Morales that Chile’s inter-American commitments have for nearly a year furnished ample justification for a break in relations, he is insistent upon the development of some specific pretext which can be made the occasion of the break and which will ensure a maximum of support for the Government’s action among the Chilean people. Evidence is, therefore, being assembled by our military, naval and other authorities which will show [Page 43] conclusively the part played by Axis espionage in Chile leading to the sinking of United Nations vessels and the death of United Nations citizens. The Minister stated that the Chilean Government would use this information as the justification for the immediate break of relations with the Axis.
- (2)
- Although both the President and I pointed out to Morales that the situation of Chile in relation to possible attack from the Axis and particularly from Japan was considerably more favorable than that of the United States and of other American Republics which had complied with their inter-American commitments, he was emphatic as to the need for providing for the protection of specific points on the Chilean coast, including especially Tocopilla and Coronel (the coal area), and possibly Valparaiso. The President has agreed to consider the furnishing of such material and the matter is being discussed with our military and naval authorities. I took occasion to point out in this connection that our Government does not feel that the effective cooperation which it has already rendered Chile in defense matters has been recognized or appreciated by the Government of Chile. Morales, together with the Chilean Ambassador here, and the military and naval personnel of the Embassy are proceeding to examine the list of war matériel which was furnished the Chilean Government last August in order to ascertain whether any added matériel is now required. The Chilean Ambassador has already expressed the view that the aforesaid list was extremely comprehensive and satisfactory. It will be recalled that, at the time, the Ambassador told me on behalf of his Government that the Chilean military authorities were very pleased.
My interview last night with Morales concluded with the statement by Morales that he felt, in view of the satisfactory agreement which we had reached on the above two points, he could plan to return immediately to Santiago. [Welles.]
Hull