Abstract
In 1918, after the First World War, Czechoslovakia gained its independence. An invaluable role in the creation of the new Central European state played also the compatriots colonies in the United States or Argentina.
However, thanks to the orientation of the Czechoslovak foreign minister Edvard Beneš towards Europe, the emigrants were at the same time on the periphery of interest. It is not surprising that in their opinions, published especially in their press in Buenos Aires, they considered the metropolis a stepmother and criticized the politicians at home.
As an offense they received information about the creation of a legation in Rio de Janeiro and only a consulate in their capital. In the middle of the decade the situation was changed for several reasons, the growing economic importance of Argentina, and the American laws that diverted the Czechoslovak migratory current to the south of the continent.
In the years 1926 and 1927, two important people arrived in Buenos Aires who calmed the colony of their compatriots. They were diplomat Vlastimil Kybal and the secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Ferdinand Hýža.
Both were instrumental in the change of Czechoslovak foreign policy towards Argentina, and on the other hand the feelings of the emigrants. The analysis of their methods is the objective of this paper that will be based mainly on the archival material of the Czech and American origin.
The literary works of Vlastimil Kybal and Ferdinand Hýža will also be used. Important source will also be the Czechoslovak press of Argentina as Jihoameričan and Věstník.