Page 331 - Argentina - Carter, Regan, and Bush VP

No Objection To Declassification in ?-ull 2012/12/12 : NLC-17-141-3-9-5

CONI1 IDENTIKIT 2

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What can we get out of the trip7

1. There might be some mileage in showing that we have a
Spanish-speaking (albeit not Latin American) person in
this senior position, although thiB is not likely to be
the reaction in Argentina or Chile, which view themselves
as better than Mexicans.

2. In Argentina, Hidalgo will be one more signal that we are
seeking to normalize our relations with Argentina and will
give their military something to be happy about since there
is no chance that we can move on repeal of Kennedy-Humphrey.

3. In Chile, it is probably useful to give an occasional signal
that our ostracism of Chile is neither total nor permanent.
If there is to be near-term political movement within Chile
it will probably come from the military.

4. HidaTgo should, in Argentina, ensure that the human rights
message is stated firmly and clearly. If he does this, it
may have added effect, coming from'a person of mixed politi­
cal and military credentials, t

5. In Chile, this mixture of credentials could also be useful
in getting across the depth of concern here over the Letelier
case, even among people who are not rabidly opposed to the
current Chilean Government. If Hidalgo were diplomatically
adroit, he might even be able to convey the idea that we
could deal more readily with a military government under
some other leadership.

BUT, I have no evidence that Hidalgo is adroit and I don't know
what his personal views (if any) are on these matters. As I
look at the balance of what good he could do as opposed to how
much harm, the latter is clearly greater. (C)

Why doesn't he stay home and campaign for the President?

This was coordinated with Pastor who will also write an additional
memo.

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■CONFIDENTIAL

No Objection To Declassification in Full 2012/12/12 : NLC-17-141-3-9-5