Japan trying to obtain Chilean copper according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 17 March 1942

An item referred to rumors reporting that escorted Japanese merchant ships would arrive at Chile between 15-17 May possible to obtain Chilean copper. The J.I.C. commented that already in the past Japanese propaganda suggested efforts to obtain South American materials. While Japan lacked shipping capacity that moment such venture could not be real.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 97 dated 17 March 1942.