Soviet Bloc-Latin American Economic Relations and United States Policy

Revision of a 1959 analysis of the possible effects of an expansion of Soviet Bloc economic relations with Latin America and the implications for U.S. policy in the event that such an expansion should occur. An increase in trade between the Soviet Bloc and Latin America could result in a decrease in Soviet influence, particularly in those Latin America countries where Soviet performance does not meet the unrealistic expectations of new and inexperienced leaders. Soviet maneuverability might also be affected adversely by greater involvement. Any Soviet Bloc attempts at penetration and infiltration, by trade or by other means, might best be countered by improving the U.S. position in Latin America. U.S. influence is not commensurate with the high degree of U.S. financial involvement in the Latin American economy; new approaches could be explored in a reappraisal of U.S.commodity, investment, and development-assistance policies. The success of present efforts toward Latin American economic integration would increase Latin American ability to resist Soviet penetration. The principal features of the Soviet Bloc-Latin American trade, 1953-1958, are discussed.