183. Editorial Note
On June 2, at the Secretary’s Staff Meeting, Rubottom raised the subject of Argentina. The notes of the meeting read as follows:
“Mr. Rubottom said the crisis in Argentina, although perhaps not as bad as portrayed in the press, was clearly not yet over. Basically it represented a major effort by the armed forces to rid the Government of all persons with Peronista and Communist connections. President Frondizi has tried to absorb the Peronistas into the general political and social framework but will probably now have to take a strong stand against them if he is going to maintain his position.” (Department of State, Secretary’s Staff Meetings: Lot 63 D 75)
On June 3 at the Acting Secretary’s Staff Meeting, Rubottom again mentioned developments in Argentine. The notes of this meeting read as follows:
“Mr. Rubottom felt that the current financial crisis was anticipated and believed that the present delicate situation there will continue. Subsequently Mr. Mann expressed strong views about the danger of losing Argentina. He said the economic and financial situation was deteriorating rapidly and no stabilization program in Latin America could succeed if Argentina collapsed. Mr. Dillon said that Secretary Anderson had assured him of sympathetic support for programs designed to bolster the Argentine stabilization program.” (ibid.)