International Trade Files: Lot 57D284, Box 104
The Political Adviser, United States Delegation (Nufer) to the Director of the Office of American Republic Affairs (Daniels)
Dear Paul: I am enclosing a copy of a statement signed by sixteen Latin American countries proposing the appointment of a coordinating group for the purpose of seeking “harmonious solutions” of the several problems still confronting the Conference.1 Sr. César Charlone, President of the Uruguayan Delegation, read the statement at the Heads of Delegations meeting on January 31, 1948.
We had been informed of the Latinos plans several days before the meeting by Sr. Braga, the head of the Brazilian Delegation, who also furnished us with a confidential advance copy of the statement. The statement is not too objectionable and differs widely from the original version drafted by Charlone himself which was much more provocative. It was toned down at the request of the Brazilian, Colombian, Peruvian and other more moderate Latin American delegates who refused to go along with the Charlone draft. Charlone, incidentally, was the author of the plan. In view of his open opposition to some of the basic principles of the Charter it does not seem improbable that he conceived it in the hope that it would be rejected and that this would afford him an opportunity to convince his Latin American colleagues that the U.S. and other industrialized nations were definitely opposed to the “just aspirations” of the underdeveloped countries in general and of our good neighbors in particular.
While we realized that the establishment of the proposed coordinating group was undesirable in view of the danger that its “conciliatory [Page 847] efforts”, no matter how conducted, might interfere with the work of the Committees and Subcommittees, Gerry Smith2 and I strongly recommended that we not oppose the Latinos on this issue, as we felt that if we did so it would create a difficult and unfavorable atmosphere which Uruguay, Argentina and perhaps others would make every effort to exploit in their favor.
It was therefore decided to go along with the Latinos and at the January 31 meeting, after Charlone had read the attached statement and the several Committee heads had reported on the progress of the work to date, Mr. Wilcox took the floor and supported the proposal, moving that the General Committee proceed forthwith to set up the proposed group, deciding upon its composition, points of reference, etc., etc. A copy of Mr. Wilcox’s statement is also enclosed.3 Our support came as a complete surprise to most of the Latinos and it was quite obvious that the wind was taken out of the sails of Charlone and some of his friends who, I am informed, had prepared lengthy and impassioned speeches in favor of their proposal.
Our gesture has, I believe, had a very favorable effect on those of the Latin American Delegations which, while not always seeing eye to eye with us on the outstanding issues, are trying to harmonize conflicting viewpoints and to bring the Conference to an early and successful conclusion.
Gerry Smith just told me that he had intended to write you regarding the above developments so that you may consider this letter as coming from both of us. Incidentally, Gerry is a very welcome addition to the Delegation. His presence in Havana will not only give him a good deal of valuable background for the Bogotá Conference, but should be very helpful to us in our efforts to keep our relations with the Latin American Delegations on as even a keel as possible.
With kindest regards and best wishes, believe me.
Sincerely yours,
P.S. There is also enclosed a report of the recommendations of the General Committee regarding the composition and functions of the Coordinating Committee which will be submitted to the Heads of Delegations meeting on February 4.4