Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980 Volume XXIV, South America; Latin America Region

51. Memorandum from Secretary of State Vance to President Carter¹

Washington, February 12, 1977

[Omitted here is material unrelated to Argentina.]

2. Human Rights in Argentina: The Argentine Ambassador has returned to Buenos Aires, where the government is currently reviewing U.S.-Argentine relations.² To insure that our concern over deterioration of human rights in Argentina is fully appreciated in Buenos Aires, Warren called in the Argentine Charge d’Affaires this morning.³ He told the Charge that although we recognize Argentina’s serious terrorist problem, we are deeply concerned about torture, witch hunts and other gross violations of human rights. Warren stressed that a continuation of such abuses would have an adverse effect on our relations with Argentina. Our Ambassador in Buenos Aires conveyed a similar message at high levels last week.⁴

The Argentine Charge argued that “barbaric terrorism” was rampant in his country before last year’s coup. Violence is now decreasing and prisoners are being released from jail. He pleaded for American understanding of Argentina’s “special case” and promised to report our views to his government.

[Omitted here is material unrelated to Argentina]

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Subject File, Box 17, Evening Reports (State), 2/11–2/28/77. Secret. In the top right-hand corner of the memorandum, Carter wrote, “To Cy. J.”
2. In telegram 881 from Buenos Aires, February 3, Hill reported on the conversation between Guzzetti and Aja Espil over “question of human rights and impact on US-Argentine relations.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770039–0983)
3. In the right-hand margin next to this sentence, Carter wrote, “Keep me informed.” In telegram 36422 to Buenos Aires, February 17, the Department summarized Christopher’s conversation with Gay. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770057–0303)
4. Reference presumably is to telegram 1165 from Buenos Aires, February 11, in which Hill reported on his meeting with Guzzetti. In the meeting, Hill noted that the U.S. ability “to have the best relations possible with the GOA” “may be jeopardized unless the GOA can take measures with regard to improved respect for human rights.” Hill suggested “as two possible immediate steps toward that objective (a) the publication of a list of all those detained for political or security reasons and (b) that those responsible for excesses be brought to justice.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770050–0291) In telegram 1177 from Buenos Aires, February 14, Hill reported on an additional point made in his conversation with Guzzetti on February 11: “During discussion of human rights issue I noted that most observers have been struck by the number of extremists who are reported as being killed in ‘ambushes’ and while ‘trying to escape.’ Rumors round town have it that many of these are prisoners who are being killed in cold blood by security forces and their deaths then being disguised as a result of confrontations with terrorists.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770052–0144)