Editorial Note

Between June 23 and July 29, 1953, Dr. Milton S. Eisenhower, who was appointed Personal Representative of President Eisenhower with the rank of Special Ambassador, visited the ten countries of South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela) to conduct a factfinding mission. The purpose of the trip was in part to obtain current information about the economic and social situation in the South American countries. Extensive [Page 197] documentation relating to the mission is contained in Department of State files 120.220 and 611.20. Additional information may be found in Dr. Eisenhower’s book, The Wine is Bitter: The United States and Latin America (New York, 1963), pages 187–201, and in President Eisenhower’s memoirs, Mandate for Change (New York, 1963), pages 140–141.

Dr. Eisenhower’s report on the results of his mission, submitted to the President under date of November 18, 1953, was published as United States-Latin American Relations: Report to the President (Department of State Publication 5290, Washington, 1953); it is also printed in the Department of State Bulletin, November 23, 1953, pages 695–717.

At the 174th meeting of the National Security Council, held on December 10, 1953, President Eisenhower stated that he had communicated with the appropriate agencies of the Executive branch respecting the implementation of the recommendations contained in Dr. Eisenhower’s report. (Memorandum of discussion at the 174th meeting of the NSC, dated December 11, 1953, Eisenhower Library, papers as President, Whitman file, NSC records)

On January 11, 1954, Dr. Eisenhower submitted to the President a supplement to his report which contained an analysis of certain specific economic problems of the respective countries he had visited and related recommendations. (120.220/1–1354) In a memorandum to Secretary Dulles, dated January 12, 1954, President Eisenhower requested the Secretary to take the lead in having the supplementary report studied by the Departments of Defense and Treasury, the Export–Import Bank, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the Office of Defense Mobilization. (120.220/1–1254) Regarding the implementation of the report, see Mr. Woodward’s memorandum, March 2, 1954, page 217. Portions of the supplementary report and agency responses thereto were incorporated into Mr. Bennett’s memorandum, August 20, 1954, page 229.