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

NI–7. Telegram from the Ambassador in Nicaragua (Whelan) to the Department of State¹

Managua, May 20, 1958, 6 p.m.

302. During past week public opinion in this country re Nixon incidents² has somehow veered around nearly 180 degrees. After viewing U.S. few days ago as the offended they are now analyzing U.S. as the offender on basis revival all the old myths about our economic aggression and neglect of Latin America plus in case of opposition here the old canard about our supporting dictatorships. Such press material from other LA countries as I have seen suggests this phenomenon has occurred in greater or less degree throughout hemisphere.

By dedicating ourselves to a re-examination of our LA policies we have given a fine example of Christian humility but Latinos seem to be mistaking this for admission of basic guilt and are responding to it as children would. Some sort of spanking seems called for to sober them up and bring them to realization they bear a large share of responsibility for cracks in hemispheric solidarity. It is time they did some re-examining too.

While I am confident Doctor Eisenhower can be protected in this country from gross discourtesies shown Nixon in South America, I fear unless we can do something to regain psychological offensive and awaken Latin Americans to necessity for constructive unemotional evaluation their economic social political problems, their own responsibilities toward solving them, and the extent of past U.S. assistance to LA and burden to U.S. taxpayers, his visit this area may turn into a round of debates in which he will appear be only on defensive and which will serve largely to confirm Central Americans in the irresponsible tendency to blame U.S. for their troubles. One factor which should be brought to Latinos attention is possible adverse public reaction in U.S. to incessant cries for more aid for LA in view apparent ingratitude many Latinos for aid they have received. Among possible measures several policy speeches by Congressional leaders and high officials on themes mentioned above before suitable forums such as OAS might help prepare ground for positive results visit. Reactions to speeches could be used in preparation statements for Doctor Eisenhower during visit.

Whelan

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 033.1100–NI/5–2058. Confidential; Priority.
2. For the demonstrations in Caracas on May 13 during the course of the Vice President’s goodwill trip to Latin America, see Documents VE–9–10, 13, 16, 22.