FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1942, VOLUME VI



825.248/220: Telegram
    The Ambassador bii Chile (1owers) to the Secretary of State

                                SANTIAGO, January 21,1942-2 a. m.
                                             [Received 4: 20 a. m.]
  120. The following telegram has been sent to the Under Secretary.
  My telegram No. 118, January 20, I p. m. The following is the
revised estimate of the United States Air Mission here of the minimum
number of planes and anti-aircraft guns needed to make a possibly
successful showing against surprise air attack from the Japanese on
the strategic points along an 800 mile Chilean coastal stretch: 12
long range bombing reconnaissance planes. Preferably 36 but at
least 24 interceptor pursuit planes. Forty-two 20-millimeter anti-
aircraft guns and twenty-one 37-millimeter anti-aircraft. It would
be necessary to have full American combat and maintenance crews at
least for the first few weeks.
  Could you promise immediate arrival of such equipment?
                                                          BOWERS

825.248/220: Telegram
  The Secretary of State to the Amlbassador in Chile (Bowers)
                           WASHINGTON, January 21,1942-10 p. m.
  80. Your 118, January 22 [20], 10 p. m. and 120, January 21,
2 a. m. Following consideration of this question today the following
materiel will be made available for delivery to the Chilean Govern-
ment provided that Government signs a lend lease agreement:
1. From the War Department:
    (a)  About 15 airplanes of the advanced trainer type with U. S.
          Army crews to train Chilean personnel;
    (b)  The 25 scout cars included in the list of lend lease muni-
         tions requested by Chile;
    (c)  The 134, 81-mm mortars included in the lend lease list of
          munitions requested by Chile;
    (d)  The 4,000 rounds of 155-mm Howitzer ammunition included
          in the list of lend lease munitions desired by Chile;
    (e) Approximately 300 motor vehicles of various types in-
         cluded in the list of lend lease munitions desired by Chile:
    (f) Items (b), (c), (d) and (e) can be dispatched at once;
    (g) Ammunition to be furnished by increments.
2. From the Navy Department:
    (a) 3 Stearmann training planes (for which the Chileans have
          stated they are willing to pay cash);
    (b)  2 Observation Scout OS2U-3;
    (c)  Cement, oil and gasoline as may be requested.
  You are instructed not to take any action with respect to this
list until you receive specific instructions from Mr. Welles.
                                                            Huro



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