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

NI–10. Memorandum from the Director of the Office of Central American and Panamanian Affairs (Stewart) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rubottom)¹

Washington, November 26, 1958

SUBJECT

• Our attitudes toward a possible U.S. visit by President Somoza

In connection with Ambassador Sevilla-Sacasa’s recent approach to Dr. Eisenhower concerning the desire of President Somoza to receive an invitation to make a formal visit to the United States next spring,² it is the recommendation of OAP that no such invitation be extended. Despite President Luis Somoza’s trend towards a more democratic type of Government and public declarations that he will not succeed himself in the presidency, he is still viewed by many Latin Americans as part of the dictatorial “Somoza Dynasty”. Undoubtedly if he were to receive such an invitation from President Eisenhower, Latin American liberals would accuse us of favoring a dictatorship or the remnant of one. Such accusations would probably be fanned by communist elements, and the end results of such an invitation might well prove detrimental, at this time, to our efforts to assure the Latin American people that the United States has a real interest in improving their welfare.

On the other hand OAP has no objections to informal arrangements being made for President Somoza to see President Eisenhower, should he come to the United States for a medical checkup. In view of his recent illness³ it would not appear unusual for Somoza to come to the United States for a medical examination. The fact that while in the United States he called on the President and other Government officials, should not lend credence to any accusations that the United States favors the “Somoza Dynasty,” as might be the case if he were to receive a formal invitation to make such a visit.

In view of the constant support we have received from Nicaragua in the UN and the OAS, the official informal visits of Ydígoras and Echandi prior to their inaugurations as Presidents of Guatemala and Costa Rica respectively, and the forthcoming official formal visit of President Lemus of El Salvador, it does appear that if Somoza decides to make a trip to the United States for medical reasons that he should be encouraged to come at a time when it will be possible for him to have a short visit with President Eisenhower.

Recommendation:

1) That no invitation be extended at this time to President Somoza to visit the United States, but that, if possible, it be arranged for him to see President Eisenhower and have conferences with other government officials should he elect to make an informal visit to the United States for a medical check up.

2) That we take no further action at present beyond informing Dr. Eisenhower of our position on this matter.⁴

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 717.11/11–2658. Confidential. The memorandum was drafted by Taylor.
2. The Nicaraguan Ambassador made the approach to Milton Eisenhower in a conversation on November 19. A copy of the memorandum of the conversation is in 717.11/11–1958.
3. On June 23, the Embassy at Managua reported that President Somoza was hospitalized with the possibility of a coronary infarct—a condition from which he soon recovered.
4. There is no indication on the source text that Rubottom approved the recommendation. On January 30, 1959, in a memorandum to Brig. General Andrew J. Goodpaster at the White House, John A. Calhoun, Director of the State Department’s Executive Secretariat, recommended against inviting Somoza to the United States. (717.11/1–2359)