Chile defends sovereignty Over Strait of Magellan

Oct 7

CCTV reports Pérez Mackenna's rejection of Judd's suggestion linking U.S. support for Chile's Strait of Magellan sovereignty to security cooperation. The minister says the Strait has always been and will remain Chilean and that Chile can defend its sovereignty without outside support. Judd subsequently says his remarks were taken out of context and were not a condition. The complete report recalls earlier Argentina–Chile friction as resolved and describes increased August/September pilotage applications amid shipping diversions. No sovereignty transfer or agreed security bargain is announced.

On October 7, U.S. ambassador Brandon Judd links U.S. support for Chile's Strait of Magellan sovereignty to Chilean cooperation on U.S. priorities. Foreign minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna replies that the strait has always been and will remain Chilean and that Chile can defend its sovereignty without outside support. CCTV-4 also reports Judd's later clarification that his remarks were taken out of context and carried no condition. The exchange and clarification remain attributed; no agreed bargain or change in sovereignty is established.