834.00/813: Telegram
The Minister in Paraguay (Howard) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:25 p.m.]
45. My 43, March 11, 5 p.m. Explanatory statements made by Colonel Franco to the local newspapers and to the United Press describe Decree Number 152 as an emergency measure establishing a political truce to enable the new political organization to be formed and contain an appeal for the advance of the revolution toward its great objectives of social and economic emancipation. He expresses the belief that the traditional political parties have fulfilled their mission and should be substituted by organizations compatible with the new state and affirms that a constitutional dictatorship will not be formed. The Paraguayan State will not be Communist or Fascist, and that the definitive program of the new regime will be determined by the constituent assembly to be convoked. No indication of the date of convocation is given.
Repeated to Buenos Aires.