ES–42. Memorandum of Conversation with the President, Prepared by the President’s Staff Secretary (Goodpaster)1
OTHERS PRESENT
- Secretaries Dillon and Irwin
- General Goodpaster
Mr. Dillon and Mr. Irwin met briefly with the President to discuss a difference of view regarding recognition of the government which took power in El Salvador as a result of the recent coup. Mr. Dillon said he realized that Defense had receded from its position of offering objection, although he understood Defense still disagreed with the action. He said that the State Department view is that if the United States does not recognize the new government, we will be “throwing in the towel” so far as sending good people into the area to try to influence the situation. He said that State considers that if we extend this recognition, we will be able to hold off the Communist effort there.
He added that other Latin American countries have recognized the new regime, including Argentina, Brazil and Chile. He said that before extending recognition, we will ask the Salvadorans to make a statement whether they support OAS commitments. If so, we will recognize them. He added that the CIA supports this action, but that Defense takes the stand that the government there is more Communist-influenced than State believes is true.
Mr. Irwin said that Defense has thought that there might be a counter coup in the area. However, it has not developed. Defense has considered that we should avoid tying our hands in El Salvador as in Laos through hasty recognition of a regime which will come under Communist domination. He added that [Facsimile Page 2] Defense is concerned that recognition of Communist-oriented governments hurts our friends in other countries. However, Defense considers that the points have been brought out and they withdraw on the matter on the grounds that the question is one of State Department responsibility.
The President gave his assent to going ahead with recognition on the basis described by Mr. Dillon.
[Here follow discussion on Yugoslavia.]
Brigadier General, USA
- Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, “DE Diaries.” Secret. This memorandum was prepared on December 7, 1960.↩