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

PE–5. Letter from President Eisenhower to President Prado¹

Washington, April 22, 1958

Dear Mr. President:

It gives me special pleasure to transmit to you through the Vice President of the United States, Richard Nixon,² my warm greetings. I am gratified that the Vice President was able to accept the cordial invitation which you so kindly extended for him to visit Peru.

Almost two years have passed since I had the pleasure of meeting you at Panama³ and of sending the Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles, as my personal representative to your inauguration.⁴ Since that time, it has been my privilege to correspond with you on several occasions regarding pressing world problems. I have been particularly conscious of your deep personal concern with international affairs and of the steadfastness with which you and your representatives have supported constructive measures to advance the cause of world peace with justice. I have also followed with great interest the impressive progress made during your administration in the consolidation of true democracy in Peru and in the maintenance of a free and stable economy.

Peru and the United States share a firm dedication to the principles of liberty and freedom, and we have also dedicated ourselves with high purpose to the Organization of American States, an inspiring example of peaceful regional cooperation among nations. Long united by bonds of closest friendship, our countries will, I am confident, work together with even greater good will and understanding in the years to come.

In extending my personal regard to Your Excellency, I desire to convey to you and to your countrymen the sincere best wishes of the people of the United States for the continued welfare of your great nation.⁵

Sincerely,

1. Source: Department of State, Presidential Correspondence, Lot 64 D 174. The source text bears a stamped signature.
2. Vice President Richard M. Nixon visited Lima, May 7–9, during his trip to South America, April 27–May 15, 1958; for documentation on the South American trip, see pp.
3. Reference is to the meeting of the American Presidents in Panama, July 21–22, 1956; for documentation, see Foreign Relations, 1955–1957, vol. VII, American Republics: Central and South America, pp. 160, 271, 277–278, 710–717, 921–923, 1081, 1132, 1134.
4. Secretary of State Dulles attended President Prado’s inauguration in Lima on August 28, 1956.
5. In his reply of May 13 to President Eisenhower, President Prado commented favorably on the subjects raised in President Eisenhower’s letter and he stressed the need for U.S. participation in efforts to achieve [illegible in the original] in Latin America. (723.11/5–2358)