825.24/1102
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile (Bowers)
Sir: Further reference is made to your despatch no. 6626 of June 1, 1943, which was answered by instruction no. 3224 of July 10.27
On the specific question which you raise of whether it is desirable to permit strategic materials to move from Chile into Argentina, the only safe basis for requesting the Chilean Government to limit exports of such materials to Argentina or other South American countries is the need for them in the United States in connection with the war effort. This was the basis for our negotiations on copper. It would be dangerous and detrimental to our interests if the Chilean Government should get the idea that the Department was attempting to enlist its aid in a program of economic pressure against Argentina. Before giving a definitive opinion on this matter, however, it would be appreciated if the Embassy will report on the volume of strategic materials flowing from Chile to Argentina, in order to determine whether the problem is of sufficient importance to justify further attention.
Very truly yours,
- Neither printed.↩