Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–10, Documents on American Republics, 1969–1972

629. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon¹ ²

Washington, May 26, 1971

SUBJECT:

• State Visit of President Velasco of Peru

Peruvian Foreign Minister Mercado recently informed our Ambassador that President Velasco regretfully was unable to accept your invitation for a State Visit to the United States in July. The Foreign Minister commented that President Velasco had given long thought to the invitation, was deeply appreciative, and very much aware of the significance of such a visit. He added that President Velasco hoped the visit might be postponed until later this year, perhaps November or December.

The reasons given for declining the visit at this time were Peruvian Independence Day ceremonies in July, complicated this year by heavy protocol requirements of Peru’s sesquicentennial celebrations, and also a “heavy legislative program.” Mercado also commented that later in the year certain bilateral problems between the U.S. and Peru might be solved or be less of an issue than at present. (He was probably referring to the fisheries problem, friction over an IDB loan, and differences with Grace & Company over compensation for its sugar properties.)

The actual reasons for President Velasco’s decision not to accept your invitation are unclear at this time. The Embassy speculates that the principal factor was the tension resulting from a number of unresolved problems in our relations. However, it is also possible Velasco may be having internal problems which make it difficult for him to leave the country, or that he may have some real scheduling problems in July. We are consulting with State and CIA to get a careful assessment of the situation. I will inform you of the results of the assessment and any recommendations for policy which seem indicated.

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 793, Country Files, Latin America, Peru, Vol. 2, July 1970–13 December 1971. Confidential; Nodis. Sent for information. Nixon wrote on the bottom of the memorandum: “Cool it.” In his May 18 covering memorandum, Nachmanoff recommended that Kissinger sent the memorandum to the President, stating that “a successful Peruvian experiment, with a constructive relationship with the United States, may be a better defense against the extension of Chilean or Cuban models than regimes based on the rapidly deteriorating traditional structures of the oligarchy, the church and the ‘traditional’ military.”
2. Kissinger speculated that the reasons why President Velasco declined an invitation for a state visit to the United States might include: still-tense relations between the United States and Peru, internal political problems, and/or scheduling problems.