180. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Posts in the American Republics1
1657. Relations with new Argentine Government.
- 1)
- Particularly in view repercussions Argentine developments throughout Hemisphere and interest already expressed by certain governments in US position we wish to exchange information and views [Page 370] with Government to which you are accredited. You are requested to confer with Government at high level promptly for this purpose.
- 2)
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Following is summary of current governmental situation in Argentina based on reports from our Embassy which should be conveyed to Foreign Office:
Constitutionally elected President Frondizi removed from office on March 29 by Argentine military forces after he had persistently resisted strong military and civilian pressures to resign. Jose Maria Guido, President of Senate, took oath office as President on March 29. He reaffirmed assumption office in public ceremony March 30 before Supreme Court in presence Members of Congress and military leaders. New government claims right legal succession under Article 75 Argentine Constitution as implemented by Law of Congress 1868. This provides that 1) in event Republic without a head due to lack of a president in certain contingencies (in this case absence from capital) and Vice President (resigned) executive power shall be vested in President of Senate, and 2) new President shall within thirty days call for new election of President and Vice President.
Reportedly Senate President was at first reluctant to serve but took Presidential office at personal sacrifice to himself with consent or perhaps even request Frondizi and at urging of leaders UCRI (Frondizi’s) party in order to avoid installation of military government. UCRP (which was principal opposition party in Congress) has reportedly announced support for him. Military commanders accepted Guido after initial reluctance and some leading military have reportedly asked to be retired.
Cabinet not yet formed. Guido is civilian and although military will probably have much to say about composition of Cabinet, it seems likely to be largely non-military in character. Congress will probably be called into session within next few days to enact electoral and other urgent legislation.
- 3)
- You are requested to state that it will always be source of regret and concern for USG when a democratically elected government which is cooperating in the OAS and with the Alliance for Progress is replaced at insistence of military forces. We hope however that a civilian government will be established in Argentina which will command support from the Congress, democratic political parties and majority populace, as Well as military forces, that this Government will operate within democratic constitution and that it will observe its international and inter-American obligations including those under Alliance for Progress. If a government of substantially this character is organized by Guido, it should be in the interest of all states with the interests of Argentine people at heart to assist it in strengthening democratic institutions in [Page 371] Argentina and resuming the social and economic programs called for by our mutual commitments under Alliance.
- 4)
- You should state that USG therefore intends to watch developments in Argentina very closely over next several days, and in particular will be interested in composition new Cabinet when formed, congression-al support of new government, plans for new election pursuant to constitution and other indications of policies it will follow. In this connection USG will be pleased to receive such information and views as foreign government may have on Argentine situation.
- 5)
- Report promptly Government’s reactions together with any comments you may have.2