Representing the President Abroad

One of the first lady's most important roles was to represent the Carter administration abroad. In June 1977, she embarked on a two-week trip to seven nations in Latin America. As the president's emissary, she met with each leader in all seven countries to discuss issues ranging from human rights to nuclear arms control.

Rosalynn Carter proved very effective in her role. Foreign leaders, impressed with her grasp of international issues, also realized that she would convey their concerns to the President of the United States. The first lady's diplomacy improved the dialogue between the U.S. and its neighbors.

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	Planning meeting for Mrs. Carter's Latin America trip.
	This briefing book, prepared for the first lady by the State Department, formed the core of her study.
	Mrs. Carter delivering Arrival Statement in Costa Rica.
	The second country on the first lady's trip was Costa Rica. In her arrival statement she stressed the themes of her tour: the goal of strengthening democracy and President Carter's concern for human rights.
	Memo on “Follow-up on Mrs. Carter's conversation with Costa Rican President Oduber” outlines several results of the open, often blunt discussions the first lady encouraged.
	Rosalynn Carter's meeting with Brazilian President Ernesto Geisel was the most challenging of her trip.
	Mrs. Carter greeting Brazilian children.
	Letter from Michael O'Callaghan, Governor of Nevada, July 16, 1977.