Towson, Norman E. Memorandum for Ambassador [G.S. Messersmith] submitting views on U.S. policy toward Argentina.
Date
1946-12-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Policy toward Argentina for last six years has been obscure, vacillating, inconsistent and out of step with events; it has been controlled by officials who do not understand Argentine temperament; weight has not been given to isolationism engendered by Argentina's geographic position and her arrogance in seeing herself as the largest frog in the only visible puddle; U.S. completely under-estimated popularity of Perón with masses and the justification of their claims for economic consideration, and overestimated the character, force, and malevolence of Perón; American public has been conditioned by press and by public statements of men like [Spruille] Braden to think of him as a "strong man" of Nazi-Fascist tendencies; Perón a curious mixture of cynicism and idealistic sincerety; personal hatred between Braden and Perón has been contributing factor to ill feeling; Braden uses press to air his views and Perón incapable of more than unsubstantiated denials; Perón now eager to find rapprochement with U.S.; his motive may be self-interest, but his government has made progress in complying with inter-American agreements to meet U.S. demands, and U.S. could meet Argentina half way without loss of prestige; hemisphere solidarity impossible without Argentina; other nations eager for trade with Argentina and Russia will apply to her own advantage any upset in inter-American relations, so that there is urgent need for normalization of U.S.-Argentine relations.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.