UNITED STATES DELEGATION TO THE SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION
[Handwritten: Oct. 28) October 28, 1952
SUBJECT: Talk with Vice President Alfredo Volio Mata of Costa Rica
1. Tunisia and Morocco 2. Korea 3. Future Meetings with the LA Group 4. Costa Rican Internal Politics
PARTICIPANTS: Mr. Alfredo Volio Mata, Vice President of Costa Rica and Head of the Costa Rica Delegation The Secretary Milton K. Wells
Continuing the series of bilateral talks with the Heads of Delegation having the rank of Foreign Minister or above, Mr. Volio Mata was invited today for an informal exchange of views with the Secretary.
Opening the conversation regarding GA problems, Mr. Volio Mata observed that the Costa Rican policy appeared to be generally in agreement with that of the United States.
Tunisia-Morocco
As regards Tunisia and Morocco, he said he thought our respective positions differed somewhat. However, the ensuing discussion revealed that there is no apparent difference of opinion and that Volio, for some reason, seemed to have been laboring under the impression that the United States is more sympathetic than Costa Rica to the idea of immediate "independence" for Tunisia and Morocco. He stated that Costa Rica felt
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that the granting of independence to Tunisia and Morocco at this stage would leave these countries at the mercy of Soviet exploitation. The Secretary said he concurred in that estimate. He added that he understood, however, that the immediate goal of most Nationalist leaders is limited to internal autonomy. The Secretary then expressed the hope that a moderate debate may bring out places where the French have made progress in leading these countries toward self government and other places where further reforms could be effected, and that a mild resolution may encourage both parties to resolve their problems through bilateral discussions. Volio raised the question whether Tunisia and Morocco would be satisfied with a metropolitan status as now exists in Algeria. The Secretary said he thought not, since Tunisia and Morocco although French protectorates are sovereign states and no doubt would want to maintain that status.
Korea
Volio Mata asked whether the Secretary had any indications as to what Vyshinsky will say and when. The Secretary replied that he thought Vyshinsky probably would speak on Wednesday. As for what the Soviets would say, the Secretary replied that judging from Tass despatches from Moscow, the only Soviet reaction so far to his speech, Vyshinsky will say nothing new. However, he added, the possibility cannot be ruled out that the Soviets may spring a surprise.
Future Meetings with the LA Group
Commenting on the success of the Secretary's luncheon in honor of the Chiefs of the LA Delegations, Volio Mata said meetings of this sort would be most helpful toward maintaining a much-to-be-desired unity on UN policies. Argentina, Brazil and Chile, he said, tended from time to time to stray from the path of hemisphere solidarity. On that point the Secretary commented that such a tendency certainly was less noticeable as regards Brazil. Volio agreed. He went on to say the several colleagues with whom he had discussed the matter were enthusiastic about arranging other meetings. Further LA group meetings with the Secretary would be a practical way of harmonizing LA views with those of the United States. The Secretary replied that he would be most happy to meet with the LA group any time they thought a meeting would be helpful. He suggested that Volio Mata discuss the idea with some of his LA colleagues, and if at any time the group desired to exchange views on any matter with him, he would be happy to meet with them at a place of their choosing. Volio Mata indicated that he would follow up the Secretary's suggestion. (Later, in discussing this with Mr. Wells he said he would speak with Dr. Carias who likewise had been suggesting the desirability of another LA group meeting with the Secretary.)
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Costa Rica Internal Politics
Volio Mata took advantage of the interview to talk about the Costa Rican internal political situation. The Presidential elections will take place next May and he felt that Figueres will win, a result which he thought may complicate Costa Rican relations with neighboring countries because of Figueres' past connections with Caribbean Legion activities. He characterized the Figueres faction as perhaps being too far to the left and too closely identified with the Communist-Ridden Caribbean Legion; the Echandi faction as being "middle of the road"; and the Castro faction as being too far to the right. Even though the latter two factions should join forces, he said, the probability is that Figueres still would poll the necessary 40% plurality. The Secretary limited himself to a few non- comittal remarks and a comment to the effect that he hoped nothing would happen in connection with the electoral campaign to disturb the present excellent normal progress of the country.
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