825.24/395: Telegram
The Ambassador in Chile ( Bowers ) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 18—12:36 a.m.]
436. For Under Secretary. Rossetti summoned me this evening to report that there is trouble at Antofagasta between General Díaz and our Colonel Sackville regarding the material sent since Sackville refuses to recognize the clear understanding that it is to be under Chilean Army and insists that he will no doubt [have?] complete control and that he will ship it back otherwise. General Díaz to my personal [Page 17] knowledge is an outstanding officer usually very tactful and gentlemanly. It is the clear understanding of the Chilean Government and of Cabrera that the Americans are here solely to instruct in the use of the material.
Since an incident growing out of this dispute and possible publicity would be of incalculable damage to us and of the greatest possible value to our enemies, particularly at this time, I respectfully urge that the matter be taken up at once with the War Department and appropriate instructions sent Sackville.