Joaquín Fernández Fernández
Joaquín Fernández Fernández (24 October 1891 – 9 September 1979) was a Chilean lawyer, diplomat, businessman, and politician. Fernández was particularly notable in the latter capacity due to his service as a Minister of State in the governments of Presidents Juan Antonio Ríos and Jorge Alessandri. In addition, Fernández served as intendant of Aconcagua in 1931 and of Santiago in 1932.
Family and education
Fernández was born in Santiago on 24 October 1891, the son of fellow minister and intendant and Carmen Rosa Fernández Concha. He completed his primary and secondary education at the Sacred Hearts School in Santiago and later entered the University of Chile, where he qualified as a lawyer. He later specialized in international law in France and the Netherlands.
Political and diplomatic career
He entered the diplomatic service in 1916, a career that allowed him to work in Chilean missions in several European and South American countries.
He served as intendant of Aconcagua in 1931 and of Santiago in 1932. On 1 August of that latter year, he was appointed by the president of the Government Junta of the so-called Socialist Republic of Chile, Carlos Dávila, as Minister of the Interior, a position he held until 12 September of the same year.
Subsequently, on 26 October 1942, he was appointed by Radical President Juan Antonio Ríos as Minister of Foreign Affairs, a post he held until the death of Ríos and the successive vice-presidential administrations of Alfredo Duhalde Vásquez, Vicente Merino Bielich, again Duhalde, and Juan Antonio Iribarren, until 3 November 1946. During his tenure, Fernández Fernández played a central role in the process that led to the rupture of diplomatic relations between Chile and the Axis powers—namely Germany, Italy, and Japan (the latter also being declared war upon)—during World War II. In addition, diplomatic relations were established with the Soviet Union, Chile became a member of the United Nations (UN), and an extensive presidential tour was organized.
Between 1946 and 1952, he served—by appointment of President Gabriel González Videla—as ambassador of Chile to Paris, France. Prior to his tenure as foreign minister, he had held the same position in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Once again, on 15 April 1961, President Jorge Alessandri called him to serve as Minister of National Defense, a position he held until 18 July 1961.
After leaving government service, he entered the private sector, where he developed an active business career.
Personal life
In 1930, Fernández married Laura Salinas-Vega Torrico, with whom he had one daughter.
On 9 September 1979 Fernández died in Santiago aged 87.
See also
- Chile during World War II