195. Telegram From the Embassy in Argentina to the Department of State1
2120. In conversation with me last night President described situation as institutional crisis in armed forces principally in Army. Said up to Peron’s time leadership in Army depended on rank. During Peron Peronists took over. Since Peron anti-Peronists have been in charge. Said well-known Golpistas tried to subvert armed forces and still trying but he thought would have no success although trouble not over.
Charged Golpistas obtained Peron’s cooperation and that alleged Peron-Frondizi pact was taped two days before made public by Radio Rivadavia (which friendly to Golpistas).
Frondizi said government looking for Golpistas but when I suggested not looking very hard he agreed GOA thought best not to force issue (some Golpistas apparently still in touch with troops outside Buenos Aires). Said Admiral Rojas, cautious man now as during revolution against Peron, came in when he thought rebellion about to break out but he guessed wrong.
Frondizi noted no strikes, no bombings or sabotage. Even Peronists did not respond to Peron. Said he proud of Argentine people. Golpistas blind. No conception of country’s problems. Moved solely by lust for power but would be quickly swamped by country’s problems.
Alsogaray will follow same economic policies as Del Carril who just as good as Alsogaray but latter better public relations wise. Alsogaray will want to do something to ease social tensions (press predicting demobilization railroad and other workers).
Del Carril will have high post in GOA but not Cabinet. Wants to save him for later. Confided Del Carril rather than Gomez was his candidate for Vice President but Del Carril declined.
Frondizi said would stand firm on three points: (1) legality; (2) no impositions; (3) stabilization plan will be carried out.
I found Frondizi relaxed and confident.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 735.00/6–2759. Official Use Only. Repeated to Rio de Janeiro.↩