Foot in the Door

Out of the Casa Rosada (Argentina's White House) and into a waiting limousine one day last week walked five members of a visiting Soviet trade mission, beaming with uncommon good will. After two months of dickering, they had signed a treaty with the Argentines under which the two countries will work out a barter exchange of Argentina's agricultural products (mainly linseed oil and hides) for Soviet petroleum, coal, iron, steel, precision instruments, pipe, rails, rolling stock, axles and tires. Goods worth $150 million are supposed to change hands--if both sides deliver. In addition, the Communists agreed to extend a $30 million credit for mining, oil drilling, railroad, agricultural and generating equipment.*

President Peron was overjoyed with the treaty. With a promise of fuels, metals and instruments for his second Five Year Plan, he seemed to have the better of the deal. But that did not disturb the Communists. For them, the treaty was a foot in the door of Latin American trade. Politically it was a good bargain; it just might push the door wide open for a procession of Soviet agents in technicians' clothing. Explained a member of the Soviet commission: "Obviously, technicians will be required for maintenance of our equipment. There are two possible solutions to this problem. Argentines can be sent to Russia for training, or we can send our technicians here. Naturally, it would be cheaper to send Russian technicians here." Naturally.

*Argentina also signed trade and credit agreements this year with Japan ($80 million) and West Germany ($272 million).

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