Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XII, American Republics

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

Washington March 31, 1962, 9:33 p.m.

1866. Ref BA Embtel 1902.²

1. We would like to study Argentine situation further before making decision on relations with new government and in particular on question of timing. We would like first to have your report and evaluation of new Cabinet when selected by provisional President. We are also interested in reaction to new government in special session of Congress proposed to be called almost immediately, which should provide evidence degree of Congressional support, as well as an indication from new Government of its plans, including those for new elections. In other words we wish to be sure new government is in effective control and to consider degree to which it is able to act along constitutional lines. We also need to exchange information and views with other Latin American Governments. Cirtel for this purpose being repeated to you.³

2. We appreciate and share your interest in supporting a civilian government and forestalling outright military dictatorship. On other hand too prompt action might reassure military that they can act as they choose in future without fear of US disapproval. We trust procedures outlined above will not result in undue risk on this score.

3. You have noted repercussions of Argentine situation in other Latin American countries particularly those where democratic governments have only recently succeeded military regimes. In order reassure democratic elements in Latin America and to discourage military adventures the President is considering a public statement in general terms on role of military in government, perhaps in connection with a further decision on our relations with Argentine Government.

4. We hope you can find early opportunity to explain privately to responsible military elements supporting new government that we are concerned over possible adverse effects of reports on Argentine developments upon political stability of democratic and constitutional regimes elsewhere in Hemisphere. This may require US to make public statement this subject. It would not be directed primarily at Argentine situation, where civilian government under a democratic constitution is now in office, but designed to influence situation in certain other American countries where continuance any form of democratic regime may be endangered if military elements not warned. We hope they will understand Hemisphere conditions which seem to call for some such statement by us. FYI only. We have in mind for example at present time DR, Venezuela, Peru and Ecuador. End FYI.

5. We shall appreciate further information when available on following: a) composition of Cabinet and competence and reputation new Ministers; b) extent support new government outside Peronists and communists; c) plan for convening special session Congress; d) intention re new elections; e) effect of proposed proscription totalitarian parties on 1) recent elections to Chamber of Deputies and 2) continuance and extension of interventions of provincial governments; f) nature and effect of proposed modification of basic labor law; g) probable reaction of Peronists to new Government and proscription totalitarian parties, and ability new Government to cope with them; h) reliability of reports Frondizi approved Guido acceptance Presidency.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 735.00/3-3062. Secret; Niact; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Wellman; cleared by Walter L. Cutler (Rusk’s Staff Assistant), Rusk, and the White House (paragraph 3 only); and approved by Martin.
2. In telegram 1902 from Buenos Aires, March 30, the Embassy described secret negotiations between Guido and the military to enact measures to control the Per#nists, modify labor union legislation, and enact a bill for proportional representation in future elections. In this telegram the Embassy recommended that the United States continue relations with the Guido government. (Ibid.)
3. Document 180.