800.6363/695
The Ambassador in Chile (Bowers) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 25.]
Sir: I have the honor to refer to my telegrams No. 596 of April 18, 11 a.m.,41 No. 727 of May 12, 6 p.m., and No. 735 of May 14, 5 p.m.,42 and to my despatch No 3340 of this date,41 and to state that the ill feeling against the United States because of gasoline rationing in Chile, aided by erroneous incomplete reports and propagated by pro-Axis and anti-American elements, reached a point where it was thought necessary for the Embassy to make a statement to the press pointing out that Chile was being treated with entire equality. There is enclosed the English text and translation of the press statement41 which was printed in a prominent position by every Santiago daily with the exception of the Axis subsidized El Chileno and El Diario Alemán. There is also enclosed an editorial41 favorable to our point of view which appeared in El Diario Ilustrado.
It is believed that the publicity given this statement will have success in counteracting the campaign of ill feeling against the United States.
Respectfully yours,