Carter and Congress Press Argentina over Human Rights

The Argentine military seized power in March 1976 amid political violence, guerrilla attacks, and killings by rightist groups linked to the security forces. American officials had warned that a coup was likely. During the Ford administration, Henry Kissinger expressed support for the new government's success, while Ambassador Robert Hill protested abuses and pressed for accountability. [2]

At the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, officials interviewed former detainees and relatives searching for people who had disappeared. The embassy compiled thousands of cases. By early 1977, American officials generally believed that the armed left had been defeated, while security forces continued to abduct, torture, and kill people. [2]

Jimmy Carter’s administration made human rights a central issue in relations with Argentina’s military government. Congress added a deadline through legislation enacted in August 1977: American military aid, training, and arms sales would end on 1 October 1978. Officials could also influence international lending decisions, although they disagreed about how to use these pressures. [2]

Some favored concessions to strengthen President Jorge Videla against harder line officers; others distrusted that distinction and pressed for sanctions until abuses stopped. They also had to weigh efforts to prevent a regional war, limit nuclear proliferation, and address Argentina’s economic troubles. Disappearances later declined, although the extent to which American pressure contributed is uncertain. [2]

Related Diplomats

1. Patricia Murphy Derian [1]
2. Jorge Antonio Aja Espil [3]

Related Reading

• Argentina and the United States