18. Outline Plan of Operations for Latin America Prepared for the Operations Coordinating Board1

OUTLINE PLAN OF OPERATIONS FOR LATIN AMERICA (COMPLETE TEXT)

I. Introduction

A. References:

(1)
U.S. Policy Toward Latin American (NSC 5613/1), Approved by the President September 25, 1956
(2)
NIE 80/90–55, Conditions and Trends in Latin America, December 6, 19552
(3)
NSC 5602/1 (Basic National Security Policy) and Specific Subsidiary NSC Papers
(4)
Outline Plan of Operations With Respect to Antarctica, December 19, 19563 (especially OCB Course of Action 4)

This Plan supersedes Outline Plan of Operations for Guatemala, June 1, 1955; Outline Plan of Operations Against Communism in Latin America, April 18, 1956; and Outline Plan of Operations for Brazil, June 27, 1956. This Plan does not supersede the “Analyses of Internal Security Situation and Recommended Action” which have been prepared under NSC Action 1290–d for Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Guatemala and Venezuela, and which will be prepared for such other countries in the area as may be scheduled; all of these analyses become Internal Security Annexes to this Outline Plan.

B. Special Operating Guidance

1.
Overall U.S. objectives with relation to the twenty other American Republics are stated in NSC 5613/1 as follows:
  • “a. Keep the other American Republics friendly toward the United States and retain their support of our world policies.
  • “b. Encourage the development of stable political systems along democratic, representative lines.
  • “c Encourage the growth of sturdy, self-reliant economies based upon the free enterprise system.
  • “d. Reduce and eventually eliminate Soviet bloc and Communist influence in the area.
  • “e. Obtain adequate production of and access to materials essential to our security.
  • “f. Obtain the participation in and support of measures to defend the hemisphere.”
2.
In implementing our policies in Latin America, emphasis should be placed on:
a.
The full application within its precise limits of the principle of non-intervention by the U.S. Government unilaterally in the internal affairs of the other Republics, a principle based on the cardinal U.S. policy for self-determination of peoples. While this principle does not preclude multilateral action through the OAS, it [Page 140] does prevent the taking of sides by the U.S. Government either in favor of or against a recognized Latin American government, whether it be democratic or a dictatorship, while recognizing any such government’s sovereignty over its own policies whether the United States agrees with them or not. While the United States desires stability and favors progress through evolution rather than revolution, it must be recognized that in some cases revolutionary activities may represent normal growing pains toward democratic stability with justice.
b.
The related principle of individual and collective (e.g., OAS) aid to any of the twenty-one Republics against intervention, attack, or communist subversion.
c.
Action to eliminate Soviet bloc and communist intervention or influence. (For background see Annex A, Communism in Latin America4).
d.
The encouragement (but not the imposition) throughout the area of free private enterprise, with its corollary of free labor movements. One of the immediate problems of greatest importance in the Latin American labor field is the need for the continued development of effective anti-Communist programs. Consequently, particular attention should be given to the guidance contained in this paragraph in carrying out OCB Courses of Action 19–1 through 19–9.
e.
Encouragement of each of the other Republics to do all in its own power to set its own house in order for economic development, especially through adoption of sound monetary and fiscal policies, utilization of free private enterprise, and maintenance of freedom from Soviet bloc or communist influence, as a condition of full granting, or in some cases even as a condition of full continuance, of U.S. cooperation and assistance.
f.
The encouragement throughout the area of trade expansion, and the reduction or elimination of barriers to such expansion.
3.
Attention is drawn to the following special considerations:
a.
The U.S. Government has no technical cooperation programs of its own to “sell” the other Republics. We support programs of the host government in which the latter has a genuine interest and desire for our participation and where our participation makes a contribution toward the achievement of our foreign policy objectives commensurate with its cost.
b.
Emphasis in U.S. military programs for the area is on persuading Latin American countries to limit their military objectives to those privately determined by the United States Government to be necessary for their internal security and country and hemisphere defense needs, accompanied by standardization along U.S. lines, which has been adversely affected by a trend toward purchase of military equipment from European and other sources. In some cases it is in the U.S. interest to provide military equipment primarily for political reasons. This is especially true because of the unique [Page 141] political position of military groups in Latin America. It is important to the United States to maintain influence with these groups. Against these considerations must be balanced, on a case by case basis, the consideration that the purchase and maintenance of excessive military equipment by Latin American states generally reduce their capacity to develop their economies.
c.
The rapid rate of population increase and economic growth in the area, with their implications for probable future strength and importance to the United States, should be taken into consideration in the execution of all programs. These factors, the intense desire in the area for rapid economic progress and higher standards of living, and the current and prospective Soviet bloc economic and political drive in the area, emphasize the necessity for generous and vigorous implementation of U.S. policies in the area, especially loan and trade policies.
d.
Latin Americans are sensitive to issues involving colonialism and intervention, and promptly support favorable U.S. stands on these issues.
e.
Manifestly the very different conditions in the very different countries, or in the same country at different times, require flexible and imaginative implementation of the NSC policy and the OCB Courses of Action. For example, the extent to which the labor courses of action can or should be applied in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic is quite different from what can be done in Uruguay and Costa Rica, and the position within government of the military differs as among Mexico, Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina.
f.
The strong nationalist feelings prevailing in most countries should be taken into account by all U.S. activities, whether government or private. They receive their inspiration and stimulation from several major sources, including historic opposition to colonialism, indigenous revolutionary movements, the widespread desires for economic and social betterment, and the resistance to rapid progress by long-established ruling families with a vested interest in maintaining the economic and social status quo. Much of the nationalism, and particularly failure to achieve nationalist objectives, takes the form of anti-U.S. sentiment and resentment. Communists have cleverly identified themselves with various nationalist groups and objectives in order to gain support and respectability for their operations, to obscure and disrupt the general progress and to intensify all anti-U.S. sentiment and focus it upon defeating U.S. objectives. To counter communist success and exploit nationalism in U.S. interests, it is necessary to demonstrate the mutuality of U.S. and legitimate nationalist desires. Taking as an example of nationalist feeling the current resistance in Brazil and Argentina to the development of petroleum resources by foreign private capital, every effort should be made to link such development with national objectives of economic and social progress, and to seek and exploit examples of progress made in other countries through welcoming foreign capital investments under adequate national controls.
g.

(1) Perhaps the greatest threat to the achievement of U.S. policy objectives in Latin America lies in the complacency which too often characterizes the U.S. approach to the area, specifically as it is related to U.S. policies, objectives and programs in other parts of the [Page 142] world where we confront problems of greater immediate import. Many Latin Americans feel the U.S. has neglected them; they point with resentment to the minuscule proportions of our total foreign economic and military assistance funds which have gone their way and tend to use these as a measure of our respect and consideration for them. Equally unjustified but equally prevalent is a feeling that the U.S. has not fulfilled what Latin Americans considered as World War II promises of aid and assistance. Latin Americans are prone to argue speciously that during the war they sold their products to us at prices we fixed at artificially low levels, that their access to vital imports was limited by the U.S., and that their accumulated dollar balances had to be expended after the war for such imports at prices which soared when we freed them from the wartime controls. (In fact, these balances were frequently mismanaged, and wasted on non-productive projects).

(2) Recalling that their expectations for sharply increased U.S. economic assistance were not fulfilled at the Rio de Janeiro Conference of 1954, Latin Americans have been somewhat cautious in permitting their hopes to be aroused by the Declaration of President Eisenhower in July 1956 at Panama regarding expansion and enhancement of the role of the OAS and by his appointment of Dr. Milton Eisenhower as his representative to meet with those of the other Presidents to carry out that project. With the recent developments on economic assistance to the Middle East and new loans to the United Kingdom, our southern neighbors are again feeling that it does not pay to be cooperative and friendly or to avoid serious problems. As one put it, “We must create a Communist menace to get aid.”

(3) The foregoing attitudes are important and cannot be overlooked since they come into head-on collision with the basis of current U.S. economic policy with respect to Latin America, namely reliance and stress in economic development on the free-enterprise system and private capital investment, with grant economic assistance being reserved for temporary emergencies which affect U.S. interests, supplemented by loans for viable economic projects for which private capital is not readily available. Those charged with implementation of the NSC policy for Latin America must constantly strive to disabuse Latin Americans of their misconceptions, but they must also recognize the existence of such misconceptions in applying U.S. policy. They must strive to insure that this Government, at all appropriate levels, avoids pronouncements and actions which to Latin Americans could lend substance to these feelings. If our neighbors feel we under-rate them, or ignore them, or slight them, or consider them fourth-rate powers, there is little likelihood that we will achieve our objectives. On the other hand, to Latin Americans form, recognition, ceremony and a feeling of mutual participation are important. These cost us little and should be adhered to scrupulously.

[Page 143]

C. U.S. Commitments and Understandings. See Annex B.5

II. Actions Agreed Upon

The OCB Courses of Action herein contain an Area Application designation only where such application is necessarily limited to less than the whole area and is not clear from the body of the Course of Action.

A. Political

[Page 148] [Page 157] [Page 159]
NSC Citations OCB Courses of Action
Para. 15a: “Keep the other American Republics friendly toward the United States and retain their support of our world policies.” 15a–1. Seek to assure continuing Latin American solidarity with the United States in the UN against communism and on all other issues of major importance to the U.S. Attempt to block Soviet Bloc exploitation of colonialism or other divisive issues in the UN.
Assigned to: State
Support: USIA, …, labor
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 16: “Achieve a greater degree of hemispheric solidarity …”6 16–1. In the entire range of U.S. relationships with Latin America, strive to convince the governments and peoples of the area that the U.S. is aware of and sympathizes with their legitimate interests and aspirations. Develop an awareness that cooperation with the U.S. is the best way for them to achieve their just goals.
Assigned to: State, ICA, Defense, USIA, Treasury, Labor, Commerce, Agriculture
Support:
Target Date: Continuing
16–2. Continue U.S. efforts through the committee of Guarantor [Page 144] Powers under the Protocol of Peace, Friendship and Boundaries between Peru and Ecuador dated January 29, 1942, to bring about an amicable settlement of the Peruvian-Ecuadoran Boundary Dispute.
Assigned to: State
Support: Defense
Target Date: Continuing
16–3. Within the limits of U.S. economic policy, consider sympathetically the efforts of the Central American states to make ODECA a workable organization contributing to political stability, economic progress and cultural exchange.
Assigned to: State
Support: Treasury, Commerce, ICA, USIA
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua
Para. 16a: (“Achieve a greater degree of hemispheric solidarity by:)
“a. Strongly supporting and strengthening the Organization of American States to make it a model of relationships among free nations, utilizing it wherever feasible to achieve our objectives, and promoting increased financial support on a proportional basis.”
16a–1. Develop through the Inter-America Committee of Presidential Representatives a program that will make the OAS a more effective instrument of inter-American cooperation in the economic, social and informational fields, including promotion of increased financial support to the OAS by the U.S. and other member States according to the agreed scales of contributions.
Assigned to: State
Support: …, USIA, ICA, Treasury, Commerce, Labor, Agriculture, HEW, AEC
Target Date: Meeting of April 1957 [Page 145] 16a–2. In the event of armed aggression, threats thereof, or other disputes among the Latin American states, exercise energetic leadership to insure maximum utilization of the machinery of the OAS to arrive at a peaceful solution.
Assigned to: State
Support: Defense, …, USIA
Target Date: As required
16a–3. Utilize, where appropriate, OAS regional centers for training, research, preparation of technical publications, or other services to the United States technical cooperation program.
Assigned to:ICA
Support: State, USIA, AEC
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 16b: (“Achieve a greater degree of hemispheric solidarity by:)
“b. Consulting with the Latin American States, whenever possible, before taking actions which will affect them or for which we wish their support.”
16b–1. Consult or inform Latin American states on developments or actions in which they may be interested, where such action will promote Latin American support for or understanding of or a sense of participation as equals in our world and regional policies. In this connection, a maximum effort should be made to approach the other American republics sufficiently far in advance so that they may feel they have been consulted rather than merely informed of decisions already taken.
Assigned to: State
Support: USIA
Target Date: Continuing
16b–2. Develop a practice of expressing, as appropriate, U.S. appreciation for support given its policies by Latin American states, particularly when such [Page 146] support has been solicited by this Government in connection with United Nations activities.
Assigned to: State
Target Date: Immediate
16b–3. In order to foster helpful Latin American initiative in the UN, publicize, as appropriate, UN activities of Latin American representatives consonant with U.S. policies as contributing to the strength of the UN and the free world, at the same time avoiding giving the impression that these representatives are simple following the U.S. lead.
Assigned to:USIA
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 16c: (“Achieve a greater degree of hemispheric solidarity by:)
“c. Giving special emphasis to the maintenance of a spirit of partnership and equality, promoting close personal relations with Latin American leaders and encouraging reciprocal visits by high Government officials and distinguished private citizens.”
16c–1. Conduct all relations with Latin America in a manner which will convince the governments and peoples of the area that we consider them equal partners in undertakings of mutual interest and benefit.
Assigned to: State, ICA, USIA, Defense, Treasury, Commerce, Labor, Agriculture, AEC
Support:
Target Date: Immediate and continuing
16c–2. Conduct both in Washington and in the field programs to train U.S. personnel assigned to Latin American countries in the language and customs of the country to which they are assigned.
Assigned to: State, USIA, Labor, ICA, CIA, Defense, AEC, Agriculture
Target Date: Immediate and continuing
[Page 147] 16c–3. Through continuing recommendations from the field and through the several Departments of the U.S. Government, on a systematic basis:
a. Invite high Latin American government civilian and military officials and distinguished private citizens (including representatives from labor, management, professional circles and women’s organizations) to visit the United States or its possessions as guests of the U.S. Government, to observe operations and activities;
b. Arrange for visits by high U.S. Government civilian and military officials and distinguished private citizens to the countries of the area as may be appropriate;
c. With careful discrimination, bestow U.S. Government decorations and awards on Latin Americans, civilians as well as military;
d. Encourage private U.S. organizations and individuals to follow actions parallel to a, b, and c.
Assigned to: State, Defense, Labor, ICA, Commerce, Treasury, AEC, Agriculture, Justice, Interior
Support: USIA, CIA
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 16d: (“Achieve a greater degree of hemispheric solidarity by:)
“d. Refraining from … unilateral intervention in the affairs of the other American Republics, without prejudice to multilateral action through the inter-American system, resorting to unilateral action only as a last resort to protect our vital interests.”
16d–1. Develop and publicize the concept that the United States attempts to maintain friendly relations with the governments of all the other American republics without in any way implying approbation or disapprobation of the domestic policies of those governments.
Assigned to: State
Support: USIA
Target Date: Continuing
16d–2. In the conduct of relations with each of the other American republics avoid scrupulously any … intervention in their internal affairs.
Assigned to: State, USIA, ICA, Defense
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: No exception, except as required by the circumstances of our unusual economic aid programs in Bolivia and Guatemala
16d–3. Continue the practice of being willing to hear those who call at the Department of State to discuss Latin American matters but, with particular reference to Central America and the Caribbean, refuse to be drawn into participation in internal political maneuvering.
Assigned to: State
Support:
Target Date: Continuing
16d–4. Make increased efforts to convince the governments and peoples of the democracies that U.S. action or discrimination against the dictatorships would be the very type of intervention they themselves so vigorously decry, and could [Page 149] often have an effect the opposite of what was intended.
Assigned to: State, USIA
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 16e: (“Achieve a greater degree of hemispheric solidarity by:)
“e. Taking into consideration, in determining the extent of U.S. assistance and support to particular American states, their willingness and ability to cooperate with us in achieving common objectives. If a Latin American state should establish with the Soviet bloc close ties of such a nature as seriously to prejudice our vital interests, be prepared to diminish governmental, economic and financial cooperation with that country and to take any other political, economic, or military actions deemed appropriate.”
16e–1. Without committing the United States, promote the belief within recipient governments that continued cooperation and assistance from the United States depend in part on their willingness and ability to cooperate with us in achieving common objectives, including the maintenance of a genuine and effective anti-communist policy.
Assigned to: State
Support:USIA, …
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: Particularly applicable in Bolivia
Para. 16f: (“Achieve a greater degree of hemispheric solidarity by:)
“f. Assisting American states which are resisting pressures from their neighbors, whenever such pressures are inimical to U.S. interests and the inter-American system.”
16f–1. Implementation of the course of action at NSC Para. 16f is assigned as follows:
Assigned to: State
Support: USIA, …
Target Date: As required
Para. 17a: “Encourage, through consultation, prudent exchange of information, and other available means, individual and collective action against expansion of Soviet bloc influence or Communist or other anti-U.S. subversion or intervention in any American state.” 17a–1. Make sustained efforts through bilateral action in Washington and in the countries, and through the OAS when appropriate, to implement the recommendations of Resolution 93 of the Tenth Inter-American Conference by:
a. Securing adoption by the other Latin American governments of any measures not already adopted by them to [Page 150] require disclosure of the identity, activities, and sources of funds of those who are spreading propaganda of the international communist movement or who travel in the interests of that movement, and of those who act as its agents and in its behalf; and
b. Effecting a continuing bilateral or multilateral (as appropriate in particular cases) exchange of information among governments.
Assigned to: State
Support: USIA, CIA
Target Date: Immediate (but also see Course of Action 17a–7 below)
Area Application: All countries except Mexico, which did not adhere to Resolution 93
17a–2. Encourage Latin American Governments to recognize the concepts of Resolution 93 to the effect that:
a. Communism is a subversive, alien and conspiratorial movement which is a separate and distinct threat to the state, its government and its leaders which should not be dealt with merely as a part of the political opposition; and
b. The American Republics cannot permit, and if necessary must take action to prevent, the establishment of a communist-controlled government in one of the American Republics
In this connection, where required, develop appropriate supporting data and information. [Page 151] Assigned to: State
Support:USIA, Defense, CIA
Target Date: As feasible
17a–3. Within the framework of 17a–2a above, encourage as feasible and appropriate adoption of any necessary new and enforcement of existing and new legislation or executive orders:
a. To outlaw communist parties and activities;
b. To exclude communists from running for or holding any civilian or military office in the government or in a political party, in any trade union or rural or urban workers’ organization, in employer organizations, in public or private education or in any other key activity;
c. To require registration and control the travel, funds, communications and other activities of communists;
d. To define and punish as subversion communist activity;
. . . . . . .
f. To arrest and confine communists promptly upon the occurrence of war.
This may include development of suggested uniform or specific laws or executive orders modelled where possible on laws found effective in the United States.
Assigned to: State
Support: USIA, Defense, Labor, ICA, Commerce, …, Treasury, Justice
Target Date: As feasible
17a–4. Where it would aid U.S. objectives, publicize, and encourage local governments to [Page 152] publicize, anti-subversion legislation in the area such as that recently enacted in Argentina, which has strong similarities with the U.S. law. Since Argentine law is nearer than any other to the kind of anti-communist legislation the U.S. wants to encourage in Latin America, publicize and show its effectiveness on a continuing basis.
Assigned to: USIA
Support: State
Target Date: Continuing
17a–5. Educate the Latin American governments and peoples on the use to which the Soviet Union and its satellites put their diplomatic, military, trade and other missions for purposes of subversion, intervention and direction of local communist activities. Make continued efforts to discourage diplomatic, military and other relations between the Soviet Bloc and Latin American governments.
Assigned to: State, Defense, USIA
Support: CIA
Target Date: Continuing
17a–6. Make a decision on a case-by-case basis, after careful study, as to the advisability of U.S. attempts to discourage acceptance by Latin American governments of direct Soviet Bloc offers of economic or technical assistance, or of UN assistance involving the receiving of Soviet Bloc technicians or of training within the Soviet Bloc. [Page 153] Assigned to: State
Support: ICA, AEC
Target Date: As circumstances require
17a–7. Effect by all appropriate attributed and non-attributed action consistent with the proscription of … unilateral intervention, and with intelligence support:
a. An understanding in Latin American countries on the part of political parties, the church, the armed forces, labor, students and youth, intellectuals and educators, businessmen, women, agrarian elements and key local groups, and through them the general public, of the subversive, conspiratorial, fraudulent and brutal nature of communist action, and of its overriding ulterior purpose to serve Soviet Bloc intervention at the sacrifice of the welfare of the people of the country;
b. A deep personal appreciation on the part of the Latin American governments, leaders and peoples for the political, aesthetic and social thought of the United States and for Western democratic ideals and institutions, so as to lead them and the generations under their influence to desire increased collaboration with this country. In this connection impress upon all U.S. personnel the importance of demonstrating U.S. ideals in their contacts with the local population as a means of further contributing to the development of democratic institutions and ideals in Latin America.
[Page 154] a. and b. Assigned to: USIA, State, ICA, Defense, Labor, Commerce, Treasury
Support:
Target Date: Immediate and continuing
c. The encouragement of Latin American countries to develop and implement programs of anti-communist indoctrination for their respective armed forces, as their own idea of one way to reduce and eventually eliminate Soviet Bloc and communist influence in their respective countries.
c. Assigned to: State
Support: Defense, USIA
Target Date: Immediate
17a–8. Make renewed efforts to develop the essential information needed to deal with the problems of communism in Latin America by:
a. Preparing basic studies on communism in the Latin American republics on a selective basis;
b. Intensifying efforts to identify the nerve centers, communication lines and sources of financing of the communist apparatus in Latin America in order to take further measures which will weaken this apparatus and thus weaken the whole organization.
Assigned to: State
Support: CIA
Target Date: Continuing
17a–9. Screen information on communism developed by the intelligence agencies, to select information which might usefully be made available to the Latin American governments and secure [Page 155] approval for its release in implementation of Resolution 93.
Assigned to: State
Support: CIA, USIA, Defense
Target Date: Immediate
17a–10. Urge the Latin American Governments to discourage or prevent the holding of communist and communist-front meetings or conferences in Latin American countries and the attendance of their nationals at such meetings. Use of government facilities of whatever nature should be denied wherever possible. Develop on a continuing basis appropriate intelligence support.
Assigned to: State
Support: USIA, CIA
Target Date: As circumstances require
Area Application: As circumstances require
17a–11. As a means of discouraging or preventing travel to communist-sponsored conferences, meetings or schools, either within or outside the hemisphere, seek means of intensifying psychological deterrents to travel, especially on the part of youth, to the Soviet Bloc countries, and encourage Latin American governments to:
a. Adopt regulations with regard to the issuance of passports which would deny a passport to any person who might be expected to use it for travel in the interests of communism; and
b. Adopt visa regulations to regulate and prevent where necessary travel within the Latin American area of Soviet Bloc nationals [Page 156] and persons who are believed to be travelling in the interests of communism.
Assigned to: State, USIA
Target Date: Immediate
17a–12. When appropriate undertake to brief Latin Americans who plan to visit Soviet Bloc countries, such briefing to be tailored for the individual concerned. Ask the traveler to observe certain pre-determined matters in his field of interest as a means of conditioning his attitude.
Assign to: State
Support: USIA, …
Target Date: As feasible
17a–13. In connection with the visits of high United States civilian and military officials to Latin America, brief these officials as to what they can do to encourage action against communism, either through public statements, private conversations or other means.
Assigned to: State, USIA
Support: CIA
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 17b: “In the event of threatened or actual domination of any American state by Communism, promote and cooperate through the OAS in the application of measures available under the Rio Treaty (including military) to the extent necessary to remove the threat to the security of the hemisphere, taking unilateral action only as a last resort.” 17b–1. Implementation of the course of action at NSC Para. 17b is assigned as follows:
Assigned to: State
Support: Defense
Target Date: On occurrence of contingency
Para. 18a (first sentence): “Encourage acceptance and implementation by interested states of the principle that dependent and colonial peoples in this hemisphere should progress by orderly processes toward a self-governing status.” 18a–1. Implementation of the Course of Action in the first sentence of NSC Para. 18a is assigned as follows:
Assigned to: State, USIA
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 18a (second sentence): “Toward this end, we should continue our technical cooperation programs in these areas.” 18a–2. Conduct technical cooperation programs in selected Western Hemisphere dependent territories, designed to support local development plans by supplying U.S. technicians, by training participants in the continental United States and in Puerto Rico, and by strengthening local and regional technical training facilities. These are currently programmed at approximately $1,250,000 for FY 1957.
Assigned to: ICA
Support: State, USIA, AEC
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: British Guiana, British Honduras, Jamaica and Surinam
(This course of action would apply to Trinidad, Barbados, and Windward and Leeward Islands in the event of signature of pending technical cooperation agreement).
18a–3. Utilize the facilities of the Caribbean Commission, and cooperate with that organization in providing technical cooperation on a project by project basis to the French and other Caribbean dependent territories with whom general technical cooperation agreements have not been signed.
Assigned to: ICA, State
Support: USIA, Commerce [Page 158] Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: All Caribbean dependent territories with whom technical cooperation agreements have not been signed.
Para. 18b: “When disputes between American and non-American states over dependent territories cannot be settled by direct negotiations, encourage peaceful settlements by other methods available to the parties.” 18b–1. Encourage Guatemala and Great Britain to resolve the Belice (British Honduras) issue, with due consideration of Mexico’s contingent claim, through diplomatic negotiations or through international legal procedures such as arbitration or submission to the International Court of Justice. Avoid favoring one or another of the parties to the dispute. Exercise a restraining influence whenever Guatemalan aspirations appear to lead them to the verge of precipitate action to take British Honduras, as by, among other things, forcefully pointing out that such action would alienate public, Congressional and Government opinion in the United States to a point requiring a reappraisal of our aid programs.
Assigned to: State
Support: ICA
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: Guatemala
18b–2. When appropriate, encourage Argentina to exercise restraint and to utilize diplomatic negotiations in its claim on the Falkland Islands.
Assigned to: State
Target Date: When appropriate
Area Application: Argentina
Para. 19: “Assist and encourage programs designed to develop a social consciousness and responsibility on the part of management and labor, the improvement of labor-management relations, and the continued growth of democratic, responsible trade unions.” 19–1. Support in every way proper those activities of ORIT, the International Trade Secretariats, and the democratic trade unions of Latin America which further the ends of United States policy and promote the interests of free labor and of the Latin American countries. Encourage and assist in the establishment of cooperative and mutually beneficial relations between democratic United States unions and democratic Latin American unions, whether such relations be direct or through ORIT and the ITS’s.
Assigned to: State, Labor, ICA, USIA
Support:
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: Where appropriate
19–2. Encourage Latin American governments to adopt laws, policies and practices designed to carry out the purposes of NSC Para. 19, with particular emphasis on the development of an independent labor movement free from communist or other totalitarian control.
Assigned to: Labor, State
Support: USIA, …, ICA
Target Date: Continuing
19–3. To the extent that facilities and qualified candidates are available or can be made available, expand existing programs permitting Latin American trade unionists to visit the United States and Puerto Rico in order that they may see how trade unions can be independent, democratic and effective and can [Page 160] achieve their goals more effectively in private enterprise surroundings; can learn how to detect communist activities in the labor movement; and may be convinced of the mutual interests and desirability of cooperation between working people in the United States and in their own countries.
Assigned to: Labor, State, ICA
Support:USIA, …
Target Date: Continuing
19–4. Encourage the introduction into the curriculum of Latin American state and private universities of programs of study on modern business management, labor economics and industrial relations, including special and night classes for labor and management, with U.S. financial and other aid where appropriate and necessary. Solicit the cooperation of U.S. universities in these efforts.
Assigned to: State, ICA, USIA
Support: Labor, Commerce
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: As appropriate
19–5. Encourage Latin American governments, where appropriate, to make arrangements—preferably with trade union collaboration—for the training in those countries of an adequate number of trade unionists in order to contribute to the continuous development of capable and intelligent trade union leadership, such training to include instruction on the nature and practices of communism.
Assigned to: Labor, State, ICA
[Page 161] Support: USIA, …
Target Date: As feasible
19–6. Encourage private U.S. companies operating in Latin America to develop and apply exemplary labor-management relations and otherwise to conduct their operations so as to obviate allegations of capitalist exploitation and Yankee imperialism.
Assigned to: State, Labor, USIA
Support: Defense, Commerce, ICA
Target Date: Continuing
19–7. Direct U.S. agencies and government-owned companies to develop and apply exemplary employment practices and relations with local employees.
Assigned to: State, Defense, ICA, USIA, Commerce
Target Date: Continuing
19–8. Encourage the visits of U.S. trade unionists, qualified by ability, helpful attitude to Latin Americans and knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese, to Latin American countries, at U.S. expense if necessary, in order to develop mutual understanding between Latin American and U.S. labor movements and to promote free and democratic trade unionism.
Assigned to: State
Support: Labor, ICA, USIA
Target Date: Continuing
19–9. Where the trade union movements are ready to undertake worker educational and research activities, encourage them to organize programs in these fields. [Page 162] Assigned to: State, Labor, ICA, USIA
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 20: “Enlist the support of Latin American governments to prevent direct and indirect shipments of strategic materials to the Soviet Bloc.” 20–1. Keep the Latin American governments informed with respect to the requirements of U.S. law (Mutual Defense Assistance Control (Battle) Act of October 23, 1951) and, where deemed appropriate, of agreed international control over the shipment of strategic commodities to the Soviet Bloc.
Assigned to: State, ICA
Support: EDAC agencies
Target Date: Continuing
20–2. Urge the Latin American governments to prevent the shipment of strategic materials to the Soviet Bloc and the participation of their citizens in diversion schemes.
Assigned to: State, ICA
Support: Commerce, USIA
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: All countries except Chile and Mexico (see Courses of Action 20–3 and 20–4 below)
20–3. Urge the Chilean Government to establish effective controls over exports of copper, i.e., to extend import certificate-delivery verification requirements, which now apply only to shipments by the large copper companies to destinations other than the United States, to shipments by all companies to, all areas, including the United States. Also seek effective control of in-transit shipments.
Assigned to: State
Support: ICA, Commerce
Target Date: Continuing [Page 163] Area Application: Chile
20-4. Through informal contacts between the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and the principal exporters of strategic materials in Mexico, seek to obtain their continued cooperation in preventing the movement of strategic materials to the Soviet Bloc.
Assigned to: State
Support: ICA, Commerce
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: Mexico
20–5. Discuss frankly with the government concerned each case of shipments of strategic commodities of domestic or foreign origin to the Soviet Bloc, either directly or through transshipment or other diversion, and its implications with respect to the Battle Act.
Assigned to: State, ICA
Support: EDAC agencies
Target Date: As circumstances require
20–6. Make representations with respect to trade with the Soviet Bloc in non-strategic commodities when it appears:
a. That such trade is or may be accompanied by an influx of Soviet Bloc traders whose purposes may be political as much as commercial; or
b. That a Latin American country is becoming or may become dependent on Soviet Bloc trade to such an extent that strategic trade controls could be undermined or means afforded whereby the Bloc could otherwise extract undue economic or political concessions. [Page 164] Assigned to: State, ICA
Support: Commerce
Target Date: As circumstances require
20–7. When appropriate, remind Latin American countries of the Foreign Assets Control regulations of the U.S. Treasury prohibiting the use of U.S. dollars and banking facilities or the involvement of U.S. firms in financial transactions with Communist China.
Assigned to: State
Support: EDAC agencies
Target Date: Upon receipt of indications that trade with Communist China is under consideration
Area Application: As required, with special reference to Cuba and Uruguay

B. Economic

[Page 167] [Page 168] [Page 171] [Page 173]
Para. 21: “Maintain stable, long-term trading policies with respect to Latin America designed to expand existing levels of inter-American commerce. In order to achieve a high level of inter-American trade in accordance with the most-favored-nation principle, (a) press strongly for reciprocal reductions of barriers to such trade, and (b) take the lead by reducing further our own trade restrictions over the next few years, with due regard to national security and total national advantage.” 21–1. Through our respective Embassies continue to point out to those Latin American countries which are not parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade7 (GATT) the benefits of a genuine multilateral approach to reduction of trade barriers, as compared with bilateral or even regional trading arrangements, and encourage them to become members of GATT.
Assigned to: State
Support: Commerce
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: All LA countries not members of [Page 165] GATT—currently Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, El Salvador, Venezuela
21–2. Examine on the basis of their individual merits proposals for regional trading arrangements within Latin America and make it clear that such arrangements should conform to the principles of Article XXIV of GATT, i.e., that they promote development of more economic sources of supply and expansion of real income for the participating area rather than diverting trade from low-cost to higher-cost sources of supply.
Assigned to: State, Commerce, Treasury
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica; elsewhere as circumstances arise
21–3. Endeavor to offset the influence of nationalist protective elements working within each country for retention or imposition of exchange controls, quotas and higher tariffs.
Assigned to: State, Commerce, Treasury, ICA, USIA
Target Date: Continuing
21–4. While exhibiting sympathetic consideration for and understanding of their economic and trade problems, attempt to prevent or at least to minimize the increases which several Latin American countries are making or undoubtedly will attempt to make in their tariff structures in the next few years. [Page 166] Assigned to: State
Support: Commerce, ICA, Treasury
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: Currently Colombia, Cuba, Brazil, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Venezuela
21–5. Scrutinize carefully all U.S. legislative proposals which would impose restrictions on the importation of Latin American products to determine whether they are in conformity with the long-range commercial policy objectives of the United States and with our political objectives in Latin America.
Assigned to: State, Commerce
Support: Treasury
Target Date: As required
21–6. To the extent feasible, avoid the imposition of U.S. import quotas, and all recommendations to foreign entities, whether government or corporate, for the imposition of restrictions on exports to the U.S., unless required by national security considerations and consistent with U.S. political objectives and the maintenance of stable, long-term trading policies designed to expand existing levels of inter-American commerce.
Assigned to: ODM, State, Commerce
Support: Treasury, Agriculture
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: Especially Venezuela
Para. 22: “Be prepared to encourage, through the Export-Import Bank, the financing of all sound economic governmental development projects or private commerical projects, for which private capital is not readily available, provided each loan is (a) in the interests of both the United States and the borrowing country; (b) within the borrower’s capacity to repay; (c) within the bank’s lending capacity and charter powers; and (d) sought to finance U.S. goods and services.” 22–1. Make known in Latin America the policy contained in NSC Para. 22.
Assigned to: State, Treasury
Support: ICA, USIA, Commerce, AEC
Target Date: Immediate and continuing
Para. 23: “Support applications for sound development loans which are submitted to the IBRD.” 23–1. As appropriate inform the NAC that the support of applications for sound development loans which are submitted to the IBRD would be advantageous from the standpoint of national security considerations.
Assigned to: State, Treasury, Commerce, ICA
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 24: “Only if actions under paragraphs 21, 22 and 23 are inadequate and then only with the approval of the President or his designee in each case, make soft dollar loans or provide grant economic assistance to meet conditions of temporary emergency affecting U.S. interests which the local government cannot solve with resources at its command. Encourage the beneficiaries of such programs to relinquish U.S. aid and to become self-reliant as soon as it is possible to do so. Notwithstanding the foregoing, continue our aid to the Inter-American Highway and the Rama Road, and encourage the use for economic development purposes in the purchasing countries of the local currency proceeds obtained through the sale of surplus agricultural commodities.” 24–1. Extend emergency grant economic assistance only within established criteria on a case by case basis, making the temporary and exceptional nature of such assistance clear to the recipients and to other Latin American countries. Where offered, keep aid programs under constant review and re-examination in the light of developments in order to reduce or terminate them as soon as such action is possible within U.S. interests and recipient country capabilities.
Assigned to: State, ICA
Support: USIA, Treasury
Target Date: As required
Area Application: As required
24–2. In continuing the grant economic assistance program in Bolivia (currently programmed at $20 million for FY 1957) intensify U.S. emphasis on encouraging Bolivia to increase its efforts to achieve monetary stabilization and to attract additional foreign and domestic private capital for the expansion of its industries, particularly petroleum and and minerals.
Assigned to: State, ICASupport: Treasury, USIA
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: Bolivia
24–3. In continuing the Defense Support program in Guatemala within the $15 million specifically appropriated by the Congress for this purpose for FY 1957, concentrate emphasis on successful completion of the Atlantic and Pacific Highway projects and if possible establish the [Page 169] Guatemalan Rural and Agricultural Development Program on such a basis that it can be continued after FY 1957 without depending on grant economic assistance.
Assigned to: State, ICA
Support: USIA
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: Guatemala
24–4. Where Congress, as in the case of the Smathers Amendment8 (Section 4, para. 4 of PL 726, 84th Congress), provides special economic development funds, every effort must be made to program their use effectively for sound purposes.
Assigned to: ICA, State
Target Date: Continuing
24–5. Seek appropriation for FY 1958 of the remaining approximately $12 million authorized by the Congress and required to complete the Inter-American Highway on an accelerated construction schedule. Seek an amendment to the Federal Aid Highway Act to authorize the appropriation of an additional $10 million in FY 1958, or such other additional funds as may be required to place a bituminous surface on the full length of the highway as planned.
Assigned to: Commerce (Bureau of Public Roads)
Support: State
Target Date: As appropriate
[Page 170] 24–6. Seek Congressional authorization and appropriation for FY 1958 of such additional funds as may be required to complete the Rama Road in Nicaragua.
Assigned to: State
Support: Commerce
Target Date: During 85th Congress, First Session
24–7. Be prepared within the limits of available authorizations to conclude new Title I PL 480 sales agreements with countries which are in a position to meet the criteria established for such agreements.
Assigned to: State
Support: Agriculture, ICA
Target Date: FY 1957
Area Application: Particularly Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay
24–8. In conjunction with the appropriate authorities of the recipient country, develop and implement sound economic development programs to be financed by local currency proceeds of U.S. sales of surplus agricultural commodities in such a way as to strengthen the economy of the foreign country and simultaneously to advance the interests of the United States.
Assigned to: ICA, State
Support: Agriculture, Treasury, USIA
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: All countries with whom Title I PL 480 Agreements are or will be concluded
Para. 25: “Strengthen and program, on a longer term basis, technical cooperation; provided, always, that each country has a genuine interest in and desire for our participation in programs undertaken by them, and that our participation makes a contribution toward the achievement of our foreign policy objectives commensurate with its cost. Within these policy limits, increase specialized training of Latin Americans in the United States and third countries.” 25–1. Strengthen the technical cooperation program, currently programmed at $32.5 million for FY 1957, within firm requests of host governments, carefully screening proposed program elements to assure:
a. Concentration on priority requirements within sound economic development plans and U.S. objectives; and
b. Maximum utilization of such implementation techniques as U.S., host-country and third-country training in order that the assignment of U.S. technicians to Latin American countries will conform to required and acceptable levels.
Assigned to: ICA, State
Target Date: Continuing
25–2. Publicize, and encourage local governments to publicize, both the basic philosophy of the ICA program and individual ICA projects to focus public attention upon the achievements and mutual benefits of U.S. technical cooperation.
Assigned to: USIA, ICA
Target Date: Continuing
25–3. Having in mind that early practical application of peaceful uses of atomic energy should aid the economic development to the American Republics as well as the psychological impact of such development, and, where applicable, within the framework of whatever coordinating mechanism is established within the OAS:
a. Be prepared to conclude bilateral nuclear research and power agreements for cooperation [Page 172] with any of the interested American Republics.
b. Encourage the early application of radioisotopes to agriculture, medicine, biology and industry, and the development of appropriate national programs for nuclear research and power.
c. Continue financial assistance to research reactor projects and cooperate in the development of nuclear power projects where they are feasible and desirable.
Assigned to: State, AEC, ICA
Support: USIA
Target Date: Continuing
25–4. Publicize U.S. contributions to the development of atomic energy for peaceful purposes as indicating sincere U.S. desires for peace and economic and social progress.
Assigned to: USIA
Support: State, AEC
Target Date: Continuing
25–5. Increase U.S. assistance for the training of specialists, particularly in education and atomic energy, both as a means of reducing the dependence of Latin American governments on such communists as in some cases may be retained merely because there is no qualified person to replace them, and to increase U.S. community of interest with Latin America.
Assigned to: ICA, State, AEC
Target Date: As feasible
Para. 26: “While recognizing the sovereign right of Latin American states to undertake such economic measures as they may conclude are best adapted to their own conditions, encourage them by economic assistance and other means to base their economies on a system of private enterprise, and, as essential thereto, to create a political and economic climate conducive to private investment, of both domestic and foreign capital, including:
“a. Reasonable and non-discriminatory laws and regulations affecting business.
“b. Opportunity to earn and, in the case of foreign capital, to repatriate a reasonable return.
“c. Reasonable rate-making policies in government-regulated enterprises.
“d. Sound fiscal and monetary policies.
“e. Respect for contract rights, including assurance of prompt, adequate and effective compensation in the event of expropriation.”
26–1. With respect to the program to conclude new and to revise old treaties of friendship, commerce and navigation (FCN) with as many Latin American countries as possible:
a. Urge Uruguay and Nicaragua to ratify the treaties negotiated in 1949 and 1956 respectively;
b. Continue efforts to obtain Colombian concurrence in an acceptable statement on freedom of religion in order that the treaty negotiated in 1951 may be resubmitted to the U.S. Senate for advice and consent to ratification;
c. Provided there is a serious expression of interest on the part of other Latin American governments, offer to negotiate with them the new type of FCN treaties. Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Venezuela and possibly El Salvador and Guatemala have indicated some interest;
d. When it appears that the other party may be interested, offer to revise or supplement out-dated FCN treaties in effect with Costa Rica (1851), Argentina (1853), Bolivia (1858), Paraguay (1859), El Salvador (1926), and Honduras (1921).
Assigned to: State
Support: Commerce, Treasury
Target Date: Continuing
26–2. With respect to double taxation treaties:
a. Seek to conclude treaties with Cuba and Mexico on the basis of negotiations currently under way;
[Page 174] b. Enter negotiations with Colombia, Haiti, and Venezuela if these countries are willing to negotiate on the basis of proposals already made to them;
c. Proceed with exploratory talks with Chile;
d. Continue exploratory talks with Costa Rica and Peru when those countries are prepared to discuss the matter further;
e. Offer to negotiate treaties with all other countries except Honduras (with which a treaty is presently in force).
Assigned to: Treasury and State
Support: Commerce
Target Date: Continuing
26–3. Where appropriate, progressively implement plans to persuade, by attributed or unattributed action or both, Latin American countries having undeveloped petroleum reserves to open the oil industry to private enterprise, both domestic and foreign.
Assigned to: State
Support: Commerce, Treasury, USIA, ICA, …, Defense
Target Date: As prudently feasible
Area Application: Particularly Argentina and Brazil
26–4. Through liberal use of concrete examples and by other means, convince the people of Latin America that under the modern free enterprise system and its concept of social responsibility the economies of their countries can be developed more effectively than by any other [Page 175] means, and that acceptance of assistance from Soviet sources, or any attempt to apply Soviet economic doctrine, would jeopardize the rapid progress now being made.
Assigned to: USIA
Support: State, …, Labor
Target Date: Continuing
26–5. Continue to support through ICA technical assistance the training of Latin American governmental economists in the principles of sound fiscal and monetary policy.
Assigned to: ICA, State
Support: Treasury
Target Date: Continuing
26–6. Exercise constant vigilance to protect American business from discrimination or other unfair treatment.
Assigned to: State, Commerce
Target Date: Continuing
26–7. In conformity with the advice of the National Advisory Council, seek to include provisions in Title I, PL 480 agreements that some portion of the local currency proceeds of sales be made available on a non-discriminatory basis for loans to private enterprises, both local and foreign.
Assigned to: State, ICA
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: All countries with whom Title I PL 480 sales and loan agreements are concluded
26–8. Pursue opportunities to conclude investment guaranty agreements with those Latin American countries with whom [Page 176] such agreements have not as yet been concluded.
Assigned to: ICA, State
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Uruguay, Venezuela
26–9. Encourage the assignment of a maximum role to private initiative and capital in economic development plans through advice offered in technical cooperation programs.
Assigned to: ICA
Support: State, USIA
Target Date: Continuing
26–10. Encourage, through advice offered in the Atoms for Peace program, the assignment of a maximum role to private initiative and capital in the development and installation of nuclear power projects.
Assigned to: State, AEC
Support: ICA, USIA
Target Date: Continuing
26–11. Encourage the progressive development of competitive free enterprise systems by the Latin American countries as a means of contributing to rising levels of production and standards of living essential to their economic progress and defensive strength through:
a. National productivity centers which might be established in some countries with U.S. technical assistance;
b. Explaining American practices and showing how they produce good economic results; [Page 177] c. Latin American studies that contribute to development of private initiative, competition and productivity.
Assigned to: State, ICA
Support: USIA
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 27: “In carrying out programs involving disposal of U.S. agricultural surpluses abroad:
“a. Give particular attention to the economic vulnerabilities of the Latin American countries and avoid, to the maximum extent practicable, detracting from the ability of these countries to market their own exportable produce.
“b. Give particular emphasis to the use of these resources to promote multilateral trade and economic development.”
27a–1. In concluding surplus commodity sales agreements, take into account the extent to which each agreement creates serious competitive problems for particular Latin American countries in connection with their efforts to dispose of their own production, especially of grains and cotton, through normal marketing transactions. To the maximum extent practicable, provide for the protection of normal channels of trade and normal marketing through prior consultation with other affected countries.
Assigned to: State
Support: ICA, Agriculture
Target Date: Continuing
27b–1. Through coordinated planning with the appropriate U.S. Embassies, the governments of the countries concerned and interested Departments in Washington, assure that the programs referred to in 24–8 above are considered in developing sales and loan agreements on U.S. surplus commodities.
Assigned to: State, ICA
Support: Agriculture
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 28: “Where appropriate, encourage diversification of Latin American economies on a sound basis.” 28–1. In the implementation of technical assistance programs, when requested by the host government, provide training and technical advice which will promote [Page 178] diversification of the economies of Latin American countries on a sound basis.
Assigned to: ICA, State
Support: USIA, Labor, AEC
Target Date: Continuing
28–2. Encourage Latin American countries to develop coordinated long-range economic development programs consistent with reliance on free private enterprise.
Assigned to: State, ICA
Support: USIA
Target Date: Continuing

C. Information and Related Activities

[Page 181]
Para. 29: “Expand and make more effective information, cultural, education and exchange of persons programs, with particular emphasis on aid to American schools abroad, bi-national cultural centers, and exchange-of-persons programs, stimulating private groups to undertake appropriate programs.” 29–1. Assure in all countries that U.S. program machinery for information and cultural activities is adequate to meet the tasks assigned in this Outline Plan.
Assigned to: USIA, State
Target Date: Continuing
29–2. In those countries where public opinion may significantly affect the achievement of U.S. objectives, in consultation with State make use of public opinion surveys in planning and conducting activities designed to achieve these objectives.
Assigned to: State and USIA
Target Date: As required
29–3. Develop and improve programs, particularly at the mission level, for systematic contacts with former participants in U.S. training or other programs in order to increase their effectiveness by sustaining their interest and as appropriate by providing material aids. [Page 179] Assigned to: State, ICA, USIA, Defense
Support: Labor, HEW, Agriculture, AEC
Target Date: Continuing
29–4. Increase the number of linguistically and otherwise qualified U.S. citizens sent to teach, study and lecture in Latin America for the purpose of establishing effective personal contacts and promoting other objectives of this paper; such visits to be at the expense of American universities, colleges or foundations or at the expense of the U.S. Government.
Assigned to: State
Support: USIA, AEC
Target Date: Continuing
29–5. Expand the educational exchange program and increase support for the Inter-American School Service, in order to take advantage of the capabilities of U.S. educational media, both in this country and abroad, to establish a community of interest for closer orientation toward the United States, and to increase the number of U.S. citizens qualified by experience to deal effectively with Latin Americans.
Assigned to: State
Target Date: Continuing
29–6. Strengthen the bi-national center operations and other programs of cultural activities in order to make more effective contacts with intellectual forces in Latin America and appeal to the aspirations of youth.
Assigned to: USIA
Target Date: Continuing [Page 180] 29–7. Dramatize U.S.-Latin American friendship and focus public attention on the intellectual, technological and social dynamism of the United States, including its leadership in Atoms for Peace, through periodic presentations of exhibits, and other special events activities designed for broad popular impact. Arrange frequent tours by U.S. athletic teams and promote as appropriate joint U.S.-Latin American sports events.
Assigned to: USIA, State, AEC
Support: Defense
Target Date: Immediate
29–8. Solicit the cooperation and assistance of private international service groups such as Rotary International, and international professional associations such as the Inter-American Bar Association, wherever it appears that such groups can be useful in implementing courses of action of this Outline Plan.
Assigned to: State, USIA, ICA
Target Date: Continuing
29–9. Encourage and assist private groups, including the many committees taking part in the President’s People-to-People program, to undertake projects related to appropriate objectives of this Outline Plan.
Assigned to: USIA, State
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 30: “Intensify appropriate … efforts to combat the activities of Communist and other elements hostile to the United States, without … unilateral intervention.” 30–1. Encourage through attributed or unattributed output (see, e.g., NSC 165/1,9 Para. 3) indigenous spontaneous tendencies, groups or action having any objectives contained in the courses of action of this Outline Plan, including persuasion of groups and individuals in Latin America away from communism.
Assigned to: USIA
Support: Labor, Defense, …, State
Target Date: As occasion presents

D. Military

[Page 182] [Page 185] [Page 186] [Page 188]
NSC Citations OCB Courses of Action
Paras. 31 and 32:
31. “Assume primary responsibility for hemispheric military operations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the Caribbean Sea, including the sea and air approaches to the Panama Canal, and seek from the states concerned acceptance of U.S. military control of the defense of these sea areas.”
31/32–1. … seek through the U.S. Delegation to the Inter-American Defense Board (IADB) inclusion of the concepts of NSC Paras. 31 and 32 and the approval of this Plan by all of the American Republics.
Assigned to: Defense
Support: State
Target Date: Continuing
32. “a. Encourage acceptance of the concept that each of the Latin American states is responsible for its own internal security and for providing, through effective military and mobilization measures, a contribution to the defense of the hemisphere by the defense of its coastal waters, ports and approaches thereto, bases, strategic areas and installations located within its own territory, and routes of communication associated therewith.
“b. In exceptional cases, be prepared to accept participation by a Latin American state in combined operations in support of U.S. military responsibility under paragraph 31 above, where its location and resources make such participation feasible, and where political or hemisphere defense considerations make such a course of action in the interests of the security of the United States.”
31/32–2. Through the service missions, joint commissions, military assistance advisory groups, and the U.S. delegation to the IADB, encourage acceptance of the concepts stated in NSC Paras. 31 and 32.
Assigned to: Defense
Target Date: Continuing
31/32–3. Continue our defense planning with Brazil and Mexico through the joint commissions, keeping in mind the policy as stated in NSC Paras. 31 and 32 . . . .
Assigned to: Defense
Support: State
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: Brazil and Mexico
31/32–4. Subject to annual NAC consideration and necessary Congressional appropriations, provide over a ten-year period the credits necessary to implement the military understanding with Venezuela of March 13, 1956 which entered into force on February 5, 1957.
Assigned to: Defense
Support: State, ICA
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: Venezuela
31/32–5. Take necessary steps to prepare the way for Latin American participation with, and as desired by, the United States in carrying out U.S. responsibility for hemispheric military operations.
Assigned to: Defense
Support: State
Target Date: Continuing
32–1. Prepare and maintain a current estimate of the military [Page 183] force structure required by each Latin American country to provide for the defense responsibilities stated in NSC Para. 32a and b.
Assigned to: Defense
Support: State
Target Date: Immediate
Para. 33: “Make available to Latin American states, on a grant basis if necessary, the minimum military equipment necessary to assist them to carry out the limited missions in the foregoing paragraph.” 33–1. Review the military necessity of the force objectives to be supported under the Grant Military Assistance Program (see pages 19 through 22 of the Financial Appendix to NSC 5613/1), revising them as necessary to bring them in consonance with NSC Para 31 and with the contribution to the defense of the hemisphere visualized in NSC Para. 32. As necessary and feasible, modify existing bilateral defense plans to reflect the revised force objectives.
Assigned to: Defense, State
Target Date: Immediate
Area Application: Those countries having MAP agreements with the United States
33–2. Make available to Latin American countries the minimum military equipment necessary to assist them to carry out the limited missions in NSC Para. 32 as consistent with NSC directives governing the priorities for allocation of military equipment. Be prepared to utilize approximately $40 million of FY 1957 MAP funds to permit such equipment to be made available on a grant basis or on a credit basis in those instances where procurement under the reimbursable provisions (Section 106) of [Page 184] the Mutual Security Act10 is not feasible.
Assigned to: Defense
Support: State, ICA
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 34a: “Recognizing that Latin American requests for military equipment are requirements against limited MDAP funds and supplies of U.S. military equipment; that their purchases of military equipment, especially on credit, have an adverse effect on their borrowing capacity and our ability to make loans to them for economic development purposes; that the denial of their requests has disadvantages for the United States; and that in certain instances the military elements in Latin America exercise a disproportionate influence on the governments; discourage Latin American governments from purchasing military equipment not essential to the missions in paragraph 32. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Latin American government cannot be dissuaded from purchasing unneeded military equipment, and if it is essential for U.S. political interests, make additional equipment available on a cash, credit, or, under extraordinary circumstances, grant basis, if appropriate.” 34a–1. Utilize the estimated force requirements under OCB Course of Action 32–1 as a guide for and aid in determining the military need for equipment requested by Latin American governments.
Assigned to: Defense
Support: State
Target Date: Continuing
34a–2. Consider on a case-by-case basis requests to purchase military equipment in addition to that required for the purposes stated under NSC Para. 32.
Assigned to: State, Defense
Support: ICA
Target Date: Continuing
34a–3. Make a continuing effort to discourage Latin American governments from purchasing military equipment beyond that essential for the purposes stated in NSC Para. 32. Point out to Latin American officials the adverse effect which purchases of non-essential military equipment may have on their economic development objectives and particularly on their ability to borrow in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Assigned to: State, Defense
Support: ICA, Treasury
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 34b. “In order to be in a position effectively to supply military equipment on a reimbursable basis in accordance with this and the foregoing paragraph:
“(1) Offer to Latin American governments military equipment at competitive prices and under competitive delivery dates.
“(2) Make sales of military equipment to Latin American governments on credit, which should normally be limited to three years.”
34b–1. Implement promptly the amendment to Section 545(h) of the Mutual Security Act of 1954, as amended, which permits offering competitive prices on used military equipment.
Assigned to: Defense
Support: State
Target Date: Immediate
34b–2. Make use of the latitude permitted by the Annex to NSC 5517/111 to adjust priorities in specific instances as U.S. national interests require.
Assigned to: Defense
Target Date: Immediate
34b–3. Improve and make more systematic the procedures within the Executive Branch for considering requests to purchase military equipment on credit.
Assigned to:ICA
Support: Defense, State, Treasury
Target Date: Immediate
34b–4. Review procedures and revise as necessary to expedite processing of requests for purchase of military equipment.
Assigned to: State, Defense
Support: ICA
Target Date: Immediate
34b–5. Finance the extension of credit, normally up to three years, for the purchase of military equipment through MAP or Service funds as appropriate, in accordance with Sections 102, 103 or 106 of the Mutual Security Act of 1954 as amended.
Assigned to: Defense, ICA
Support: State
Target Date: Continuing
34b–6. Contingent on Administration and Congressional approval of legislation which would permit the re-use as credits of funds made available to finance credit purchases of military equipment under Section 103 of the Mutual Security Act, utilize this additional legislative provision as appropriate to facilitate pre-delivery financing and extension of credit of up to three years for the sale of military equipment to Latin American countries, subject to the limitations of NSC Para. 34a.
Assigned to: Defense, ICA
Support: State
Target Date: Proposed legislation to be included in FY 1958 Congressional presentation
Para. 35: “Except when it will create undue demand on the United States for modernization, replacement, spare parts, and ammunition; seek, in the interests of standardization as well as for other reasons, to discourage purchases by Latin American governments of military equipment from other Free World countries, primarily by assuring the Latin American countries that we will endeavor to fill their essential requirements on reasonable terms. Wherever feasible, consistent with the above, seek to prevent other Free World countries from selling military equipment to Latin American States.” 35–1. Consistent with NSC directives, make every effort to supply promptly the equipment Latin American governments request to equip units required for the purposes stated in NSC Para. 32.
Assigned to: Defense
Support: State
Target Date: Continuing
35–2. Discourage Latin American armed forces from purchasing military equipment from non-United States sources.
Assigned to: Defense
Support: State, ICA, USIA
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: All countries, especially Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Dominican Republic
35–3. If it is not required in the military or political interests of the United States that Latin [Page 187] American countries receive equipment which they request, and if they cannot be dissuaded from purchasing it, without implying approval interpose no further direct objection to its purchase from non-United States sources. However, in considering requests for economic or military assistance, take into account and, where appropriate, point out to the governments concerned, the effect of such purchases on their borrowing capacity.
Assigned to: State, Defense
Support:ICA
Target Date: Continuing
35–4. Wherever possible without serious damage to other U.S. objectives, discourage European and other countries from supplying military equipment to Latin American countries, especially when the supply of such equipment will result in a military build-up in excess of that required under NSC Para. 32.
Assigned to: State
Support: Defense
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 36: “Seek to develop a conviction that collaboration, including military purchases, by any of the American states with Communist nations would be a serious hazard to all of the nations of this hemisphere.” 36–1. Implementation of the course of action at NSC Para. 36, including intelligence support therefor, is assigned as follows:
Assigned to: State
Support: USIA, Defense, ICA, Labor, Commerce, CIA
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 37: “Proceed vigorously with the implementation of the program for strengthening the local police, constabulary and related forces necessary to maintain internal security and to destroy the effectiveness of the communist apparatus in the Western Hemisphere in countries found to be vulnerable to Communist subversion.” 37–1. Implement promptly the recommendations in the special papers entitled “Analysis of Internal Security Situation and Recommended Action” for Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Guatemala and Venezuela, which constitute Internal Security Annexes to this Outline Plan.12 Recognizing that implementation of approved programs designed to carry out NSC Para. 37 has priority over the preparation of new special country papers, consider the need for such new papers when the situation requires.
Assigned to: State, ICA, Defense
Support:
Target Date: Continuing
37–2. Where appropriate in the light of available intelligence and where accepted, strengthen the overt and covert security apparatus of Latin American governments responsible for maintaining surveillance over and for combatting communism.
Assigned to: ICA, State
Support: …, Defense
Target Date: Continuing, with expansion as appropriate
37–3. On an expanded basis offer technical training, advice, and, to the extent deemed essential, equipment to strengthen the administration, organization and techniques of police or other internal security forces where such assistance is requested and is deemed important to U.S. objectives. [Page 189] Assigned to: ICA, State
Support:
Target Date: Continuing
37–4. Where advisable, train selected Latin American military officers in counter-intelligence operations, with emphasis on detection of communist activities, and assist in establishing effective military counter-intelligence organizations throughout Latin America.
Assigned to: Defense
Support: CIA
Target Date: As feasible
Para. 38: “If participation of Latin American military units is required in future extra-continental defense actions, provide logistical support, if necessary without reimbursement, to such forces.” 38–1. Implementation of the course of action at NSC Para. 38 is assigned as follows:
Assigned to: Defense, State
Target Date: As and when the requirement arises
Area Application: Any Latin American country which furnishes military units
Para. 39: “Take action as necessary …,13 to insure the continued availability to the United States of bases and base rights in Latin America that are considered vital to the security of the United States.” 39–1. Implementation of the course of action at NSC Para. 39 is assigned as follows:
Assigned to: State
Support: Defense, USIA, ICA, Treasury, CIA
Target Date: Continuing
39–2. Negotiate an agreement for facilities in Brazil for the establishment of an Army communication station.
Assigned to: State
Support: Defense
Target Date: Immediate
Area Application: Brazil
39–3. Negotiate agreements for rights for LORAN stations in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, [Page 190] Guatemala, Mexico, Haiti, Nicaragua, Panama.
Assigned to: State
Support: Defense
Target Date: Immediate
Para. 40: “Seek the continued cooperation of the Latin American states in carrying out the hemisphere mapping program.” 40–1. Continue implementation of the Inter-American Geodetic Survey and mapping activities where appropriate and necessary, to include a related training program to be associated therewith, in order to assist in the standardization of cartographic equipment, training, procedures and techniques. The ultimate goal is to obtain improved map coverage and establish cartographic self-sufficiency in the American states.
Assigned to: Defense
Support: State, ICA
Target Date: Continuing
40–2. Utilize Inter-American Geodetic Survey facilities for training within the technical cooperation program in order to develop basic mapping skills deemed essential in economic development objectives.
Assigned to:ICA, Defense
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 41: “Continue our active participation in the Joint Military Commissions we have with Brazil and Mexico, and make effective use of the IADB to achieve our military objectives.” 41–1. Implementation of the course of action at NSC Para. 41 is assigned as follows:
Assigned to: Defense
Support: State
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 42: “Foster closer military relations with the Latin American armed forces in order to increase their understanding of, and orientation toward, U.S. objectives and policies.” 42–1. Utilize our military missions, military assistance advisory groups, and Service Attaches to cultivate close relations with Latin American military officials with a view toward better understanding and orientation [Page 191] toward U.S. policies and objectives.
Assigned to: Defense
Support: State, USIA
Target Date: Continuing
42–2. Exploit as feasible opportunities to use the U.S. Armed Forces for humanitarian and other purposes with a public relations value that illustrate the friendly mission and intentions of U.S. military operations in Latin America.
Assigned to: Defense
Support: State, USIA
Target Date: As situations arise
42–3. Arrange good-will visits of U.S. aircraft and naval vessels to Latin American states, as appropriate.
Assigned to: Defense
Support: State, USIA
Target Date: Continuing
42–4. Give particular attention to the prompt and effective handling of requests to purchase military equipment.
Assigned to: Defense
Support: State, ICA
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 43: “Continue, and establish where appropriate, military training missions in Latin American states, countering any trend toward the establishment of military missions, or agencies or individuals with a similar function, other than those of the American Republics.” 43–1. Encourage the Latin American governments to prevent the extension of military influence other than that of the American Republics, especially Soviet-Bloc military influence, to Latin America in any form such as sales of military equipment or the assignment of military advisors or missions.
Assigned to: State, Defense
Support: USIA, …, ICA
Target Date: Continuing [Page 192] 43–2. Encourage as appropriate requests for the establishment of U.S. military missions in Latin American countries.
Assigned to: State, Defense
Target Date: Continuing
Para. 44: “Provide adequate quotas for qualified personnel for training in U.S. armed forces schools and training centers; encourage Latin American states to fill their authorized quotas at the three Service academies.” 44–1. Encourage Latin American governments to take advantage of the training quotas to U.S. Service academies, Armed Forces schools and training centers, in order that more personnel from Latin America may become indoctrinated in our methodology and accustomed to our way of life, including anti-communist orientation.
Assigned to: Defense
Support: State, ICA
Target Date: Continuing
44–2. Normally, encourage requests for military quotas for the Latin American armed forces to the maximum extent consistent with U.S. training requirements. However, avoid providing categories and numbers which would tend to stimulate demands for non-essential military equipment.
Assigned to: Defense
Support: State
Target Date: Continuing
44–3. Broaden the scope of U.S. assistance to Latin American training programs, by the inclusion of visits to U.S. installations by Latin American naval units for training under the U.S. Navy Fleet Training Groups, using grant aid as authorized. [Page 193] Assigned to: Defense
Support: State
Target Date: Continuing
Area Application: Latin American countries having MAP naval units—currently Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Peru, Uruguay
Para. 45: “Study the advisability of encouraging the use of the Latin American military personnel for a constructive role in economic development projects.” 45–1. Implementation of the course of action at NSC Para. 45 is assigned as follows:
Assigned to:ICA
Support: Defense, State, Labor, USIA
Target Date: Immediate
Para. 46: “Encourage to the maximum extent consistent with the needs and capabilities of each Latin American nation, the standardization along U.S. lines of military doctrine, unit organization and training.” 46–1. Through all appropriate agencies of the Department of Defense, especially training missions, military assistance advisory groups, and the U.S. delegations to the several defense boards and organizations, promote to the greatest possible degree standardization along U.S. lines of military doctrine, training and unit organization.
Assigned to: Defense
Target Date: Continuing
46–2. Continue and expedite the translation and distribution of service training manuals to the military services of Latin America.
Assigned to: Defense
Target Date: Continuing
  1. Source: Department of State, OCB Files: Lot 62 D 430, Latin America, January–May 1957. Secret. A covering title sheet, an undated action memorandum from OCB Executive Assistant Charles E. Johnson, and a statement of purpose and use of this Outline Plan are not printed.
  2. NIEs for specific countries in or parts of the area are as follows: NIE 93–57, Jan. 8, 1957 (Brazil); NIE 80–57 (in process) (Central America & Caribbean); NIE 88–56, Apr. 10, 1956 (Colombia); NIE 91–56, July 17, 1956 (Argentina); NIE 92–56, Sept. 11, 1956 (Bolivia); SNIE 83.3–56, Sept. 27, 1956 (Nicaragua); NIE 82–55, July 26, 1955 (Guatemala); SNIE 84–55, Jan. 11, 1955 (Panama); NIE 80–54, Aug. 24, 1954 (Caribbean Republics); NIE 87–54, Mar. 9, 1954 (European Dependencies in Caribbean Area). [Footnote in the source text.]
  3. Scheduled for publication in a forthcoming volume.
  4. Not printed; it is an expanded version, dated December 7, of the paper attached as Annex A to the “Outline Plan of Operations Against Communism in Latin America”.
  5. Not printed; it is a list of treaties and executive agreements.
  6. Ellipsis in the source text.
  7. For text, see 61 Stat. (5 and 6).
  8. Named after Senator George A. Smathers (D.–Fla.), this amendment to the Mutual Security Act of 1956, provided for the use of a portion of the defense support funds authorized by the Act in the form of loans for health, education, and sanitation projects, and land resettlement programs in Latin America. For text of the Act (P.L. 726), approved July 18, 1956, see 70 Stat. 555.
  9. NSC 165/1, “Mission of the U. S. Information Agency,” approved by President Eisenhower, October 24, 1953, is printed in Foreign Relations, 1952–1954, vol. ii, Part 2, p. 1752.
  10. Reference is to the Mutual Security Act of 1954.
  11. Neither NSC 5517/1 nor the referenced Annex is printed.
  12. None of the referenced papers is printed as part of this Outline Plan.
  13. Ellipsis in the source text.