211. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Holland) to the Secretary of State1
SUBJECT
- Argentine Revolt
Martial law continues in Argentina, but the nation now appears quiet.2 There have been no reports of injuries to Americans or to American property.
It now appears that the Army units which rebelled did not do so in a body; rather, attempts to seize control of them were made by outside groups or disloyal internal elements. In only one case was resistance prolonged, and the revolt as a whole was effectively suppressed by noon on June 10.
The Government is carrying out an intensive search for Peronista leaders, and has rounded up, according to unofficial reports, some 1,000 persons. Government announcements confirm the execution, following trial by military court, of 16 active and retired military personnel, and 18 civilians. These courts continue to sit.
The Provisional Government’s forceful action in meeting this crisis has probably strengthened it for the time being. Should, however, it adopt a policy of greater severity toward the Peronistas, including Army purges, the Administration may forfeit any chance of substantially pacifying the political life of the country.
There is no reason to believe that the revolt will have any effect on the present excellent state of Argentine-United States relations.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 735.00/6–1256. Confidential. Drafted by Watrous and Vaky. Copies were sent to Hoover and Murphy.↩
- On June 10, elements of the Argentine Army loyal to former President Perón revolted against the Aramburu government. Despatch 958 from Buenos Aires, June 29, summarized these developments. (Ibid., 735.00/6–2956) Despatch 6 from Buenos Aires, July 5, analyzed the limited role which Argentine Communists played in the revolt. (Ibid., 735.00/7–556)↩