Tewksbury, Howard H[obson], Counselor of Embassy for Economic Affairs. Memorandum to Ambassador [G.S. Messersmith] on U.S.-Argentine relations.

Date
1946-12-06
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Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Goal should be cordial and cooperative relations, but relations with Argentina have fallen short of goal for many years; error and bad judgment on both sides can be blamed; principal weakness of U.S. policy toward Argentina has been failure to look at problem on long-range basis; U.S. attitude governed by immediate problems, without recognizing their transitory nature; rather arbitrary U.S. attitude not shared by allies; Argentines are proud and arrogant people, who thinks of themselves as the leading country of South America, and they resent any interference in their internal affairs; they seem to be trying to comply with their inter-American commitments, but the constant prodding by State Department and the defamatory articles in American press may have an effect opposite from the one intended; present Argentine regime would not last long or be able to carry through program without being accused of yielding to foreign pressure; since Messersmith's arrival there has been a change in attitude of Argentine Government due to his direct approach and frank discussion of obstacles to resumption of normal relations; much has been done to dispel Argentine animosity and distrust; Messersmith's approach may fail also, but it offers more hope for success than an approach which consistently irritates and creates distrust; it has further advantage of leaving door open for further effort in case present effort fails; only logical, as matter of self-interest, that Argentina should desire closer relationship with U.S., and if U.S. will meet her half way, believes chances for success good; if present unsatisfactory relations continue, Argentina will be driven, for self protection, to seek alliances with other nations in Latin America or elsewhere; prompt decision is essential if hemisphere solidarity is to be maintained.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.
Citation