825.014/64
The Chargé in Chile (Frost) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 25.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that on the 14th instant I called upon the Chilean Minister for Foreign Affairs, Señor Abraham Ortega, to pay my respects upon return from my absence from Chile, and that the most significant phase of the conversation was with regard to the possibility that Easter Island be fortified by the United States. (See strictly confidential despatch No. 753 of July 1, 1939.)
The suggestion came up in connection with the question of cruiser purchases by Chile; and as it was in the same connection that the Foreign Minister mentioned the matter to Mr. Trueblood at a previous interview there is ground for assuming that the acquisition of some form of rights by the United States in the Island is connected [Page 465] in the Foreign Minister’s mind with the furnishing of a cruiser or cruisers on especially favorable terms by the United States. The Minister did not contemplate the alienation of Chile’s sovereignty over the Island but rather some plan which might permit the latter’s use by the American Navy for undefined purposes over an undefined period of years.
Señor Ortega inquired whether our Government recognizes that the defense of Latin America, and particularly of the West Coast, would be of vital consequence to the United States if a world conflagration should arise, and I alluded to the recent address made by the Assistant Secretary of War65 (see news bulletin of July 5, 193966).
The Embassy would much appreciate receiving an instruction as to whether a leasing arrangement would be of interest, and as to whether cruiser construction for Chile in American Navy yards might figure as a setoff, either directly or indirectly. It would seem that the Minister is more than willing to receive proposals from us; and he definitely indicated a desire to secure further views from the American Government at once if possible.
Respectfully yours,