My Missions for Revolutionary Bolivia, 1944-1962

Victor Andrade

• Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press
• Year: 2010
• Topic: Politics & International Relations
• eBook ISBN:
  9780822976110
• Subtopic: Latin American & Caribbean History
• Index: Politics & International Relations

Victor Andrade, Bolivian ambassador to the United States at various times between 1944 and 1962, recounts a unique Latin American perspective on U.S. politics and foreign policy. He describes meetings with Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, and with the many journalists, cabinet members, senators, and House members who were part of his daily work in the world of Washington politics.Andrade first came to Washington as ambassador in 1944, representing a young revolutionary government determined to check the power of the Bolivian tin barons who had dominated the country for decades. After his government was overthrown, he spent six years in exile, and returned to Washington when the Movimiento Nacionalista Revolucionario resumed power in 1952. His deep understanding of Washington's massive political and bureaucratic establishment, combined with his renowned charm, resourcefulness, and perseverance, gave him the ability to negotiate massive economic and military aid for the development of the country. It also allows him to present a candid, knowledgeable inside view of U.S.-Bolivian relations through these years which will at times make U.S. readers proud and at times ashamed.

Table of contents

• Contents
• Introduction
• 1 Schooling in War and Politics
• 2 Villarroel and the MNR in Power
• 3 My Appointment as Foreign Minister
• 4 The First Mission Begins
• 5 World War II and Bolivian Tin
• 6 Setting the Stage for Peace
• 7 The Issues Joined
• 8 Postwar Tin Negotiations
• 9 The Second Mission Begins
• 10 Nationalization of the Tin Mines
• 11 The Twilight of the Tin Mines
• 12 Aid for the Revolution
• 13 The Second Mission Ends
• 14 Facing the Future
• Index of Personal Names