033.1110 Wallace, Henry A./264
The Ambassador in Peru (Norweb) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 27.]
Sir:
[Here follow details of Vice President Wallace’s itinerary in Peru.]
In my contacts with Peruvians of various categories before Mr. Wallace’s visit, I found that while the mass of the people and, indeed, the middle class, were looking forward to it with pleasurable expectancy, members of the more conservative, but still influential, element showed themselves somewhat fearful of the possible repercussions on the future of their particular group through the sojourn in Peru of one who was anxiously regarded as holding different political views. I feel, however, that the friendly, approachable and informal, yet dignified, manner of the Vice President has, while realizing the favorable anticipation of the people, considerably reassured the Conservatives.
[Page 71]As indicated in my abovementioned telegram, all groups of Peruvians here joined in indicating a sentiment of appreciation that the Vice President of the United States should have visited Peru, while Mr. Wallace’s pleasing personality and his manifest interest in many aspects of life in this country have met with warm response among all of the many groups with whom he has come into contact. Mr. Wallace radiates sincerity, which is a quality of universal appeal, while his somewhat diffident, yet genial, manner has awakened a cordial response in the somewhat sensitive Peruvians.
All in all, I feel that the visit of Vice President Wallace has had a distinct tendency to personalize, to make visible, and to intensify realization of the “Good Neighbor” policy and will prove of very real, and, I trust, lasting assistance to the Embassy in its work of bringing about continuing and still closer cooperation from the Government and people of Peru in the cause of hemispheric defense and in support of the effort of the United States and of the United Nations.
Respectfully yours,