Our Reaction to Communist Infiltration in Latin America

The United States plays a difficult role in Latin America. Our activities are curtailed by the commitment since 1936 to the dictum of nonintervention, yet we must attempt to counter the influence of communism in Latin America. The present status of Castro's regime in Cuba highlights this di lemma. Although, at this time, Castro's government is not directly aligned with the Communist bloc, there are indica tions of increasing proclivities in that direction. A "hands- off" policy must continue to be employed by our State Depart ment in Cuba as well as in other troubled areas to create a favorable climate of opinion towards our long-term interests. Although the actual membership in the Communist parties of Latin-American countries has decreased, both the Soviet Union and Communist China are attempting to penetrate the leading intellectual and labor groups through the means of propaganda and the well-known tactic of the "popular front." Our reac tion to the Communist infiltration in Latin America must not lead to hasty measures. The United States must in the future attempt to combat Communist actions in Latin America by helping establish political democracy through fostering eco nomic development and social reforms in its various govern ments.—Ed.