7. Letter From the Ambassador in El Salvador (Hill) to the President 2
My Dear Mr. President: The recent visit of Vice President Nixon to El Salvador3 was a tremendous success. It is the first time in history that a Vice President of the United States in office has visited this country and, although the Salvadorans are not demonstrative people by nature, it was soon obvious that Mr. Nixon captured the hearts of the people as he toured the streets and met with government officials. There was a notable rise in enthusiasm in every walk of life during his stay.
It is my opinion, based on numerous conversations with well informed local residents that the prestige of the United States has never been as high as it is right now as a result of Mr. and Mrs. Nixon’s visit.
It is respectfully suggested that consideration be given to a follow-up visit in approximately six to nine months by some other appropriate government official in order to capitalize on this warm spirit of friendship created by the Vice President’s visit.
It is an honor Mr. President to serve in your administration.
Respectfully yours,
- Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Dulles–Herter Series.↩
- Vice President Nixon visited El Salvador, February 15–17, as part of a larger tour of Latin America (see vol. vi, Document 193, footnote 1). Nixon’s visit to El Salvador is described in despatch 220 from San Salvador, February 17. (Department of State, Central Files, 716.00(W)/2–1755)↩