FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1942, VOLUME VI



for delaying the break in relations. In other words, what President
Roosevelt thought would facilitate the attainment of what he had
been given to understand was a common desire of the two governments,
namely, the elimination of highly prejudicial Axis diplomatic and
subversive activity in this continent, was used by the Chilean author-
ities and is still being used by them to delay the attainment of this
objective.
  The invitation to Rios still stands. If and when he comes, regardless
of the action which Chile may have taken to live up to her commit-
ments, he will, of course, receive a courteous welcome in official circles.
However, in view of the very natural war-time psychology prevalent
in the United States, which psychology is, as you will recognize, one
of our major assets in the conduct of the war, it has been thought
desirable to ask you to indicate clearly to President Rios our mis-
givings as to the type of popular and press reception which he would
receive if he were to take advantage of President Roosevelt's invi-
tation before carrying out the official and authoritative commitment
as a result of which that invitation was extended. (I refer in this
connection to my personal letter to you of November 19). 56
  It also seems desirable that you bear in mind the effect upon the
Chilean position of the passage of time. The United States has now
been in the war nearly a year. Ten months have elapsed since Rio.
Nearly four months have passed since President Rios told President
Roosevelt that he would do anything necessary for continental security.
According to the "authoritative and official commitment" which
Fernandez and Rios have given you, there will be no rupture of rela-
tions until the return of Rios from his trip. In other words, the
German, Japanese and Italian diplomatic and consular agents in
Chile are guaranteed at the very least another three months of
immunity.
  The Department concurs with you that matters may be allowed
to rest as they are and that you should limit yourself to such repetition
of the Department's views as previously expressed as may in your
judgment be useful. [Welles.]
                                                            HuLL

  l Not found in Department files.



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