840.51 Frozen Credits/9519
The Ambassador in Chile (Bowers) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 24.]
Subject: Economic and Financial Controls for Chile.
Sir: I have the honor to refer to despatch No. 5688 of February 9, 1943 in regard to the above subject.
Recent information from various governmental officials indicates that the secret committee has reached an impasse in its deliberations. A few days ago it held a stormy session, and it is reported that violent disagreements between its members developed and that Sr. Vigorena, President of the committee, resigned. It is believed that the committee will probably pass out of existence and that the study of economic and financial controls will be committed by the Government to a smaller group. In a conversation between members of my staff and Sr. Manuel Casanueva, Director General of Agriculture and Sr. Fernando Ortuzar, Executive Secretary of the Economic Committee of Ministers, on February 11, the Chilean officials mentioned the fact that two officials had very recently been delegated by the Government to outline a definite control program. No details were given, and the names of these persons were not revealed. However it is anticipated that the details of these developments will soon be known.
There is enclosed herewith a copy of a Note Verbale dated February 10, 1943,8 which was handed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs on that date. The note transmits to the Minister a printed copy of the [Page 894] Report on the activities of the Montevideo branch of the Banco Alemán Transatlántico prepared by the Uruguayan Congressional Committee Investigating Anti-National Activities, copies of which were transmitted to the Department by my colleague in Montevideo in his despatch No. 2103 of January 23 [26] 1943.9 My note to the Minister calls his attention to the conclusion of the Investigating Committee and the action taken by the Uruguayan Government, and suggests that the Banco Aleman Transatlantic in Chile should be accorded like treatment.
Respectfully yours,