835.01/538: Telegram
The Ambassador in Chile (Bowers) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:15 p.m.]
1096. Reference telegrams No. 739, June 22, 11 p.m.40 and No. 743, June 23, 8 p.m.41 For Secretary, Bonsal, Duggan42 and Lyon. Saw Fernández this morning who listened intently to the substance of the first telegram and appeared to find action proposed natural and proper. As to the second, he said instantly that he will see the President at once and urge that the Chilean Ambassador be recalled for consultation. He added that in that event, he will instruct the Ambassador on leaving to say to the Argentine Government that it has not conformed to its promise made Chile at the time of the recognition; that not only had it not intensified the implementation of the Rio Agreements but actually has discontinued implementation entirely; and for that reason, he was summoned back for consultation. He expressed the opinion that the recall for consultation of the British Ambassador seems necessary and that the simultaneous announcement of the British and American Ambassadors would create a profound impression in Argentina. He impressed me both by his words and manner as perfectly in accord with the idea of consultations among the American nations in view of the facts set forth in your No. 739.
My personal feeling is that if possible for Armour to return by way of Santiago and consult with Fernández, it would be good and Fernández expressed the hope that such a meeting be possible. Because of her original blunder in the recognition, the new situation presents Chile with a more delicate problem than in the case of any other nation for ultimately it implies a breaking of relations with Argentina which would probably concentrate its resentment on Chile. 1 have the feeling that left to Fernández alone, Chile will go along the whole way but I fear the pressure of the timid on the President who may shy at rupture but will undoubtedly I think do anything [Page 324] short of that without hesitation. After this first meeting, I feel justified in promising the recall of the Chilean Ambassador for consultations; the resumption of discussions among the American nations; and the protest of Chile to Farrell that the promises have been disregarded and the explanation that this makes his return to Santiago for consultations necessary.