654


FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1950,0 VOLUME I


710.5/9-2650
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American
  Affairs (Miller) to the Director of the Policy Planning Staff
  (Nitze)

TOP SECRET                      [WASHINGTON,] September 26, 1950.
  In connection with memorandum of September -25'1 from Mr.
McWilliams transmitting copy 118 of NSC 68/1 "U.S. Objectives and
Programs for National Security" and annexes thereto,2 there is sub-
mitted herewith my personal comments on these documents in so far
as they relate to ARA's responsibilities.
[I.] Introduction
  The otherwise excellent report fails to take adequate account of the
role of Latin America in relation to U.S. national security objectives
and consequently fails to give sufficient importance to Latin America's
requirements and potential contributions in connection with the secu-
rity programs discussed.
  The outbreak of the Korean crisis and subsequent developments indi-
cate the urgent need of reassessing Latin America's position in regard
to U.S. security objectives and the state of our relations to these
countries. Latin America presents problems which are unlike those
encountered in relation to Europe or Asia which are admirably dis-
cussed in the report. Nevertheless, what we do in either of these other
areas, the way in which we go about doing it-including our informa-
tion activities in respect thereof, has a vital impact on our relations
with Latin America. For example, while the European Recovery Pro-
gram3 was soundly conceived and soundly executed in relation to
Europe, the fact that the impact of this program on Latin America
was not taken into account when the program -was announced has
constituted the most detrimental single fact in our relations -with Latin
America. More recently the extension of direct military and economic
assistance to the Far Eastern area and ECA development and tech-
nical activities in Africa have had a cumulative adverse effect on Latin
America. The prospective announcement of a substantial grant in aid
program to South Asia will seriously add to our difficulties in regard to
Latin America. It is therefore essential to take a new look at our rela-
tions with Latin America and within the limits of the possibilities to
work out a more positive and dynamic program in this area.
  'Not printed.
  2 NSC 68/1 and its annexes not printed. (S/S-NSC Files: Lot 63D351: NSC
68
  Series)
  I For documentation regarding ithe inception of the European Recovery Pro-
  gram, see Foreign Relations, 1947, vol. iii, pp. 197 ff.