Evening star., 1950-12-17

European countries have faltered
in the face of Communist aggres-
sion. BEHIND the scenes, if not
openly, several of them have ac-
tually advocated appeasement of
the Chinese Reds in Korea.
Although in the beginning of
the Asiatic conflict, the Latin
American governments presented
an unwavering united front with
us, today delegates from several
Of the larger southern republics
fail to give us enthusiastic aid in
our diplomatic battles at Lake
Success. While none has openly
voted with Our enemies on major
issues. several have joined with
certain South Asiastic countries in
taking the middle road. At least
one of the principal South Amer
ican nations, Argentina, has often
refused to take stand or has
abstained from voting on contro-
versial measures.
After talking with a large num-
ber of people on the scene, it
appears that this regrettable situa-
tion is due to a number of causes.
First of all there is a general
lack Of appreciation on the part
of the American public of the
strategic Importance of the vast
world to the South. Even many
high officials in Washington it
self seem unaware of the weight
Of these 20 nations and $50 mil
lion people in world affairs.
There is no question about the
concern of Assistant Secretary of
State Edward G. Miller and his
staff in the Bureau of Inter-
American Affairs in the State
Department. But here at the
United Nations, there is appar-
emily sad neglect of the Latin
delegations, if not an outright
ineptness of many of our diplo-
mats in dealing with them.
Indifference Charged
Even one Of our own repre-
sentatives expressed to me the
greatest anxiety over this new
development. Lately" he said,
"a large number of the Latin
Americans here seem to find
themselves more at home in COM
pany with their colleagues Of the
Arab states, India. and the coun-
tries of Southeastern Asia, than
they do with representatives OF
the United States
The head of one South Ameri.
can delegation which has always
stood stanchly with us in every
debate told me that this is moi
only true, but it is unfortunately
largely your own fault. Youl
leaders here" he said, seldom
take us seriously. They are in.
different to our views on the most
important questions, even when
they ask us for our support OF
their position. He went on to
explain that when voting time
approaches they often send out
runners calling us to action, and
we are supposed to Jump through
the hoop like good little boys and
go down the line with Uncle Sam. u
"Of course" he admitted. 1--WE
have to be on your side against
armed aggression. We are not
only pledged to do so. in the
Hemisphere Defense Pact, in the
Charter of the Organization OF
American States and other inter-
American documents, but our
faith is bound up with yours. We
live on the same continents with
you. But" he added, I'VE wish
you would not always make it Sc
evident that we have to be with
you"
An Illustration
The entire Latin American con-
tingent in the U. N. is still talk
ing about one recent incident in
which our representatives failed
to show proper Difference toward
our neighbors. 1t was an incident
that played. directly into the hands
of the Russians, and one which
the Soviet propagandists have ex-
plotted to the fullest.
On the evening of December