137. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rubottom) to the Acting Secretary of State (Herter)2

SUBJECT

  • Study on United States-Argentine Relations

The present Argentine situation presents certain special considerations and opportunities as regards our relations with that country. We have a rare historical opportunity to establish a tradition of friendship and cooperation with Argentina such as we have not enjoyed in many years. The opportunity is, however, a passing one, and for this reason I believe our relations with Argentina call for special attention and careful handling.

In this connection I attach for your information a study recently prepared in OSA which considers United States policy toward Argentina in the light of the present situation.3 This study makes the following points: 1) Because of its importance in the hemisphere, the establishment of good relations with Argentina must be one of the basic objectives in our Latin American policy; 2) The present climate is very propitious for this. Present Government and military leaders are pro-US, support cooperation with us and are trying to lead Argentina out of traditional isolationism; 3) These trends are not yet hardened, however. The first elected government since Peron’s overthrow is scheduled to take office in May, and Argentina is at something of a crossroads; 4) Almost the first task of a new government will be to reassess Argentina’s relationship to us; 5) Given this situation, the present propitious climate and the advances already made, now is the time to [Page 461] “nail down” the opportunity offered us to strengthen the posture of pro-US moderate elements and influence the new government by example; 6) The situation calls for a careful overall approach to Argentina in the next year or two. Special attention should be given to the psychological element, i.e., giving a feeling of support to the Argentines which will be of prime importance in the coming months. The economic sector will be the most critical and should receive high priority with immediate attention to possible additional financial aid. This factor is important also in view of Soviet economic overtures, Argentina’s economic distress making her susceptible to Soviet blandishments.

  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.35/1–2758. Confidential. Drafted by Viron P. Vaky.
  2. The study, transmitted in a memorandum from Vaky to Rubottom, December 16, 1957, is printed in Foreign Relations, 1955–1957, vol. VII, p. 498.