825.34/6–1047: Telegram

The Ambassador in Chile (Bowers) to the Secretary of State

confidential

461. 1. Military Air Attaché approached Chilean authorities re possible acquisition vessels mentioned Depgam 177 May 7. Chileans interested but unable discuss details at moment (Deptel 266 June 444).

2. Chief Naval Mission45 states vessels are scattered along Chilean coast and strongly recommends their remaining Chilean custody pending negotiations; mission lacks funds or personnel properly safeguard vessels if possession taken.

3. Embassy reluctant press negotiations re vessels pending completion arrangements sale aircraft mentioned Embtel 403 May 26.46 Please advise status aircraft deal and expedite instructions.

Bowers
  1. Not printed.
  2. Capt. Oberlin C. Laird.
  3. Not printed, but see supra.