Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, American Republics, Volume V

198. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Argentina¹

Washington, August 7, 1959—7:35 p.m.

178. Embtels 205² and 206³ rptd Ciudad Trujillo 1 and 2. U.S. Government understands Frondizi concern Peron activities and threat these pose Argentine stability which we desire support all feasible means. However, no basis seen for revision views and policy Peron problem stated December 1958 Deptel 704 rptd 183 Ciudad Trujillo.⁴ Present Caribbean tensions and imminence Santiago meeting make U.S. relations GODR delicate and Department considers U.S. should not raise new issues GODR. Concur your view inadvisable raise Peron issue Santiago meeting.

Appears from reftels Frondizi made no direct request U.S. assistance but we assume from your referral this matter here Frondizi may have implied some U.S. help as well as advice welcome.

You consequently authorized your discretion repeat views Deptel 704 Frondizi indicating these conveyed Barros Hurtado last December.

You may also wish point out that under present circumstances GODR might agree control Peron in return strong Argentine support for non-intervention principle at Santiago meeting. Although informal discussion Peron by Argentine and Dominican Foreign Ministers at Santiago might prove useful,⁵ pre-Santiago GOA approach Ciudad Trujillo could have advantage of capitalizing on probable GODR uncertainty MFM prospects. GODR could also save face by linking Peron to Communist-Peronist collaboration Argentine internal situation.

FYI Department considers Peron issue bilateral one between GOA and GODR. Past dealings Frondizi emissaries with Peron, of which GODR fully aware, make representations by third parties, including U.S., especially difficult. End FYI.

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 735.00/8–559. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by James F. O’Connor and initialed by Snow. Repeated to Ciudad Trujillo.
2. Supra.
3. In telegram 206 from Buenos Aires, August 5, Beaulac noted the possibility that Trujillo was permitting Perón to carry out his subversive activities against Argentina because of Trujillo’s belief that Perón might return to Argentina. The Ambassador suggested that both the Department and the Embassy in Ciudad Trujillo might be of some help in convincing Trujillo that Perón was not going to return to Argentina. (Department of State, Central Files, 735.00/8–559)
4. In telegram 704 to Buenos Aires, December 20, the Department informed the Embassy that because of U.S. relations with the Dominican Republic any attempt to control Perón’s activities was difficult and possibly counterproductive to Argentine interests. The United States, the Department added, was not in a position to take the initiative, but would support Frondizi’s present position regarding Perón if the Dominican Republic or other governments sought U.S. views in the matter. (ibid., 735.00/ 12–2058)
5. The Fifth Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the American States was held at Santiago, Chile, August 12–18. See Documents 79 ff.