190. Telegram From the Naval Attaché; in Argentina (White) to the Director of Naval Intelligence1
Buenos
Aires, June 20,
1959—8:12 a.m.
In interview Argentine DNI stated this afternoon:
- 1.
- Argentine Navy firmly supporting government (probably true). Comment, failed respond questioning similar loyalty Frondizi.
- 2.
- There is no breech within Navy, only Army has problem (unable evaluate). Comment, feel this depends on resolution Rial, Favaron, Calderon situation.
- 3.
- Navy sent envoys to Cordoba 16 June to inform forces that area, Navy position (very probable). Comment, at that time Navy desired no revolutionary action.
- 4.
- No changes troop or ship disposition (unable evaluate).
- 5.
- No Gorial arrest orders issued. Rial, Favaron, etc. to present views Estevez this afternoon (probably true). Comment, this statement made with inference that Navy did not know specific desires Gorial leaders and that once known action would be taken.
- 6.
- Denied press report various important Navy officers had requested change duty (unable evaluate). Comment, report mentioned base commander Puerto Belgrano Adm Moritan Colemand and Captain de Navio Palomeque River Plate flotilla.
General Comment. Adm Rojas still unknown factor. Reserves not mobilized. Next 24 hours considered critical from standpoint of Gorial-Estevez situation. Navy seen as not desiring part active revolution but yet unable predict no action forthcoming.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 735.00/6–2059. Secret; Niact. Repeated to the Department of State, Central Intelligence Agency, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The source text is the copy sent to the Department of State.↩