611.2531/222: Telegram
The Chargé in Chile (Frost) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 18—1:35 p.m.]
77. Add my number 76, November 17, 7 [5] p.m. García particularly requested an assurance that the Department does not contemplate any steps with regard to a customs duty on nitrate during period between signing of modus vivendi and conclusion of general treaty. He apparently realized that such assurances could not be in written form, but stated that a declaration received orally would be [Page 416] of assistance in connection with modus vivendi. Embassy feels this to be an indication of Chilean nervousness regarding nitrate and also of Chilean desire to negotiate general treaty, of which latter desire I have had other recent indication. Department might authorize informal oral statement as to its present intentions possibly so couched as to leave impression that future intentions might be different. This morning Vergara, Acting Foreign Minister, requested following phrase to be inserted at beginning of paragraph 3; “the Government of Chile confirms its previous declarations and reiterates that it will take the steps, et cetera”. This seems admissible.