Our Reaction to Communist Infiltration in Latin America

• Published in: The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 1960-07, Vol.330 (1), p.103-115
• Main Author: Whitaker, Arthur P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anticommunism; Capitalism; Communism; Dictators; Disabilities; Economic sanctions; Latin American culture; Multilateralism; Nationalism; New Influences in Latin America; Russian culture
• ISSN: 0002-7162; 1552-3349
• DOI: 10.1177/000271626033000123

The United States plays a difficult role in Latin America. Our activities are curtailed by the commitment since 1936 to the dictum of nonintervention, yet we must attempt to counter the influence of communism in Latin America. The present status of Castro's regime in Cuba highlights this dilemma. Although, at this time, Castro's government is not directly aligned with the Communist bloc, there are indications of increasing proclivities in that direction. A "handsoff" policy must continue to be employed by our State Department in Cuba as well as in other troubled areas to create a favorable climate of opinion towards our long-term interests. Although the actual membership in the Communist parties of Latin-American countries has decreased, both the Soviet Union and Communist China are attempting to penetrate the leading intellectual and labor groups through the means of propaganda and the well-known tactic of the "popular front." Our reaction to the Communist infiltration in Latin America must not lead to hasty measures. The United States must in the future attempt to combat Communist actions in Latin America by helping establish political democracy through fostering economic development and social reforms in its various governments.