Martín García Mérou

Martín García Mérou made diplomatic residence the basis of a substantial literary career. Born in 1862, he entered the foreign service at nineteen with Miguel Cané's mission to Venezuela and Colombia. Subsequent assignments took him to Paraguay, Peru, Brazil, and Europe. He wrote criticism, poetry, and studies of the countries where he served, treating a posting as an opportunity for sustained research. ¹

During his Washington terms, interrupted by service as agriculture minister, García Mérou promoted commercial information and better displays of Argentine products. He inspected the Philadelphia Commercial Museum, urged replacement of deteriorating samples and sought funds, staff, and clearer instructions for the legation. Historian Paula Bruno's examination of his correspondence shows both the practical effort and his frustration that Buenos Aires often offered praise without the resources or decisions he requested. ¹

He also helped arrange outside participation in a sensitive regional dispute. In December 1898 he personally informed Secretary of State John Hay that Argentina had selected American minister William I. Buchanan for the commission addressing the Puna de Atacama boundary with Chile. Hay replied that American consent would follow a joint request from both governments and Buchanan's application for permission. ²

García Mérou was the Washington channel for Foreign Minister Luis María Drago's December 1902 argument against armed intervention to collect public debts. Hay's February 1903 reply acknowledged receiving the instruction from him but expressly withheld agreement or disagreement with its propositions, emphasizing arbitration and the American government's own interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine. He died in 1905. ^{3, 1}