NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN

Created: 7/16/1975

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

National Intelligence Bulletin

ONTENTS

LATIN AMERICA: F

National Intelligence Bulletin

LATIN AMERICA

Despite the reservations expressed by some of the more moderate end conservative Latin governments, Mexico and Venezuela have decided to press for an eerly conference to implement their brainchild, the Latin American Economic Systemhey did agree, however,eeting of experts In Panama on July 2f> to prepare for the formal ministerial conference, which opens ont. This is an apparent concession to Chile, Brazil, and Bolivia, which preferred to have time to examine the proposed SELA constitution.

The specifics of SELA's role remain to be formulated. Broadly, the organisation is Intendedehicle for the protection and advancement of Latin and Caribbean interests. Cuba willounding member; the US is excluded. The draft constitution notes that the association will enable members to deal more effectively with powerful countries on matters such as setting prices for export products, establishing multinational enterprises and development projects, defending the region's interests In International forums, and supporting individual members with particular grievances.

Despite the plethora of regional organizations already In existence, many Latin American governments feel obliged to go along with thii latest effort designed to extract concessions from the US and other Industrialized nations. To persuade the reluctant, the sponsors of SELA have repeatedly given assurances that their Intention Is not to promote an adversary relationship with the US. The motivation nevertheless Is clearly to Improve the political and economic bargaining position of Latin America and the Caribbean in countering policies In the Industrialized world that other countries of the hemisphere Interpret as (nlmlcal to their Interests.