The strongest potential bond between the United States and the countries of South America is cultural, rather than economic and political, according to Carlos Davila, Ambassador from Chile to the United States.

"While common bonds between the United States and Chile in politics and economics are strong and undoubtedly are increasing in force, the two interests often conflict and produce discord," said the Ambassador in a private interview with a CRIMSON reporter at the Ritz-Carlton last night. "The stimulation of cultural relations, however," he continued, "is the best means or establishing a mutual understanding between the two countries.

"The merit of many contemporary American authors is recognised in South America and most of their works which have been translated into Spanish are very popular. The South American field, however, is rather neglected by American publishers. Your technical magazines especially are of great use to us as authorities in scientific and industrial developments.

"The United States is learning that South America, too, has much that is good in literature. Mr. Hammond, United States Ambassador to Spain, has said that there are more children studying Spanish in the United States than in Spain. And the woman who is acknowledged the greatest poetess using the Spanish tongue, Gabriela Mistral, is a native of Chile.

"In the field of economics, Chile has possibilities that are perhaps not appreciated. We mine 38 percent of the copper of the world, while the United States mines 34 percent. Our iron resources are also greater than those of the United States. The preeminence of Chile in the nitrate industry is better known. We produce 1000,000,000 tons of nitrate yearly."