The Ambassador in Chile (Bowers) to President Roosevelt 44
Dear Mr. President: I have just written Welles recalling President Ríos statement to me that when relations with the Axis are broken there may be some trouble, which he did not appear to think would be serious, but in the event of such trouble he would “like to think that he would have the support of the United States”. I have suggested to Welles for his consideration whether it would not be helpful were I authorized to say to the President that in the event [Page 27] of trouble due to the breaking of relations he could count on our support.45
It would seem inevitable anyway since any trouble due to this reason would be on the part of the Nazis, and we can hardly permit them to take over power in Chile in any event. I suspect that Welles will discuss the matter with you.
With warmest regards,
Sincerely,
- Copy obtained from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, N. Y.↩
- For an exchange of communications on this subject between representatives of Chile and the United States at the Third Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the American Republics, see telegrams No. 52, January 25, 1 p.m., vol. v, p. 39, and No. 79, January 26, 8 p.m., ante, p. 7.↩