033.1110 Wallace, Henry A./33b: Circular telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Representatives in the American Republics4

From the Vice President. The gracious invitations which I have received from seven of our sister Republics have pleased me greatly. Between the middle of March and the middle of April I hope to visit each of these countries. Mr. Laurence Duggan of the Department [Page 57] of State5 will accompany me. Due to the urgency of war, I shall unfortunately not be able to spend as much time in the different countries as I would like. Later on I am hoping to have the pleasure of visiting the other Republics where there are many esteemed personal friends with whom I should like to talk at length about the problems in which we are all interested.

In the short time at my disposal I am hoping not only to become acquainted with the leaders at the seat of government but also with some of the farm and labor people in the smaller places. My objective is to create the maximum of good will toward the United States on the part of all the elements of the population. I should appreciate it greatly, therefore, if you could arrange matters so that as high a percentage of the time as possible can be taken up with meeting representatives of all the various groups and regions. I am equally interested in farmers, workers and businessmen. If the official relationships with the executive and legislative branches of government can be concluded within a day and a half or less, I shall greatly appreciate it, for that would give me more time for visiting in the open country away from the larger centers of population. Because of my interest in seeing a little of the country outside of the capital I hope you will cooperate with me to hold down the Embassy social functions to one and Government social functions to one. Before making other social engagements, please wire. [Wallace.]

Welles
  1. The Ambassadors in Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, and the Minister in Costa Rica.
  2. Adviser on Political Relations.