625.5131/99
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile (Philip)
Sir: The Department has received your telegrams no. 48 of August 16, 1 p.m.,28 no. 51 of August 18, 3 p.m., and no. 53 of August 20, 2 p.m.28 relating to the time to be fixed for the entering into effect of the pending commercial convention between Chile and France. It is noted that this entry into effect will probably take place about the end of October.
You are requested to inform the Department whether, in the event that the existing modus vivendi should expire, there are any legal obstacles which would prevent the Chilean Government from continuing to extend most-favored-nation treatment to the United States. The Department desires to know also in what other possible respects an understanding with the Chilean Government in the matter will be urgently required upon the exchange of ratifications as stated in the last paragraph of your telegram no. 51 of August 18 last.
Please discuss the question of the continuance of most-favored-nation treatment of American trade with the Chilean Minister for Foreign Affairs and report by air mail the results of your interview and investigation.
Very truly yours,