IO Files: US/A/528
Memorandum by Mr. Murray M. Wise of the United States Delegation Staff of Advisers
United States Delegation Liaison with Latin American Delegations
During the past few days criticisms have reached us, particularly through Castro of El Salvador,1 Correa of Ecuador,2 and Carias of Honduras, to the effect that there is not enough consultation between the United States and the Latin American Delegations, and that the United States Delegates are not represented at the Latin American caucuses. There has also been some criticism that the United States [Page 148] Delegation is not taking enough initiative with the Latin American Delegates on certain questions such as Slates and the Palestine question.
In so far as I or any other member of Ambassador Dawson’s team is aware, we have received no invitations either direct or indirect to be present at Latin American caucuses, and I am not sure that it would be advisable to be present. In fact I can see how it would be detrimental in the long run. I believe the Latin American resentment referred to in the first paragraph may stem primarily from the fact that they desire to be consulted or have closer contact with the United States Delegates rather than to Advisers.
Last year during the Assembly I was approached in Washington by certain Ambassadors from the Central American countries who stated that they believed an error being made at the General Assembly was that of not having Ambassador Austin call the Latin Americans together periodically, state the United States position with respect to the problems on the Agenda, and then call for discussions which would lead to more united decisions among the American Delegations. It was stated that quick and brief conversations in the corridors, the lobbies, or in Committees or General Assembly sessions was inadequate and not particularly agreeable to the Latin American Delegates.
The foregoing has been given a great deal of consideration but no practical way of having Latin American heads of delegations consult directly with the United States Delegates of high rank has been found. Furthermore, developments are so fast sometimes that time does not permit conversations of the nature apparently desired by the Latin Americans.