Toward Better Understanding Between United States and Latin America

Abstract

The long-standing relations between the United States and Latin America rest on a firm foundation. Yet, cer tain misunderstandings have arisen which seem to cloud the relations in the Western hemisphere. Nonintervention in the internal affairs of another state is the fundamental principle that has guided the relations in the hemisphere. Since World War II, this doctrine has been supported by the principle of collective security agreed upon at Rio de Janiero in 1947 and enforced by the Organization of American States. The mis conceptions which exist relate to various subjects in military, political, and economic affairs. In military relations misunder standings arise over the extent of the United States military assistance to the Latin-American countries and over the United States export-of-arms policy. In the political sphere, the United States is condemned for its continued support of the doctrine of nonintervention with respect to dictatorial governments in Latin America. The contentious subjects in economic affairs relate to United States development assistance programs and to commerce in primary products. It is indeed necessary to clear up these misunderstandings so that the channels can be open to continued constructive relations between the twenty-one republics.—Ed.