Page 223 - Argentina - Carter, Regan, and Bush VP

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3- Cooper Meeting with French Economic Officials: On Iran,
the French identified legal problems in applying the Security
Council resolution in the face of the Soviet veto, and recom­
mended we consider putting the Soviets in a corner tactically
by pressing them on what "measures" they would be prepared
to take under Resolution 461. They questioned the tactical
advisability of countries other than the U.S. imposing further
measures at this time, but conceded that they probably have
the legal ability to take some additional actions. Cooper
proposed three areas where concrete support from our allies
would be extremely useful in the Soviet/Afghanistan situation:
no undercutting of U.S. actions; no new official export
credits; and, strict application of COCOM criteria. The
French will not undercut U.s. measures; will continue normal
commercial relations, will not cut off official credits,
and will take a tough line but act slowly in renegotiating
the Franco-Soviet credit agreement. On COCOM, the French
did not know what cases they might be submitting and promised
to get back to us soon. (Paris 1739, PSN 3576B, 35772,
35776, 35780) (S)

4. U.S./Argentine Relations: Ambassador Castro met on Tuesday
with former Junta member General Viola, who is expected
to succeed videla as president in 1981, for a genreral review
of U.S. Argentine relaitons. viola appeared deeply perturbed
about the adverse turn of events in our bilateral relations,
and attributed this to the lack of communication between
the executives and foreign ministers of both countries.
He feels it is imperative that a dialogue be established
as soon as possible between the President and President
Videla and also between Secretary Vance and Foreign Minister
Pastor. Viola stated that both countries should see each
other on the basis of conditions as they exist on and look
into the future rather than base their policy on past acts.
The general expressed serious concern over the State Depart­
ment's human rights report on Argentina and felt the wording
of the report could precipitate a wave of emotionalism and
anti-Americanism if Argentines felt the report was an unfair
evaluation of their country. Viola agreed to do whatever
he could to get the government's cooperation on the restriction
of grain sales to the USSR. (Buenos Aires 472, PSN 35961)
(C)

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