123: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Braden) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 25—3:13 a.m.]
1638. There are such abundant, convincing, and universally accepted indications that calumnious campaign against me was instigated, organized, and carried out by governmental organizations which operate under Perón’s direct supervision that there can be and is no question for any fairminded person. I am discreetly endeavoring to obtain such proof as would stand up in any court of law even in face of governmental denials. However, as Department will appreciate, this is difficult and delicate undertaking.
That campaign was carried out with acquiescence and protection of Government is clearly evidenced by volume and consequent expense of printing and distributing leaflets, posters, et cetera (some identical leaflets were printed in more than one establishment). Placards were pasted on walls of Government-owned property where all advertising is prohibited and on space reserved for Government announcements. Handbills were distributed in large volume all over city and suburbs, where not usual, with open approval of police although unauthorized distributors of leaflets are promptly arrested. Scurrilous announcements of Friday night meeting which included phrase “Union of workers against imperialism of Wall Street! Braden signifies exploitation and crime in Chile!” distributed 48 hours in [Page 399] advance for which Government not only must have given its authorization but allowed it to be helped. At this meeting defamatory speeches were broadcasted despite fact that no broadcasting is allowed without prior government approval and submission of scripts in advance. One of speakers, Blanca Lux [Luz] Brum, has office in Secretariat of Information and Press, of which she is apparently an employee. Another speaker was son-in-law of General Accame, Argentine Ambassador to Rio. Moreover, one leaflet referred to my having served in Guatemala which is significant since I discussed having been in that country with only two people in Argentina, Vice-Pres. Perón and Minister of Finance.99 Several reliable informants of Embassy in conversations with members of governmental organizations report latter frankly admitting Government’s responsiblity. One of men distributing leaflets in Rosario station on my arrival was reliably identified as municipal employee known to represent Perón in Santa Fe Province.
This campaign has backfired against Perón and Government as manifestations in my telegram 1635, July 24, 9 p.m.,1 indicate. Vanguardia of today caustically comments that campaign was instigated by one branch of Government protected by another and is being investigated by a third. Local press has been unusually bold in its comments and in reprinting U.S. articles. Despite tremendous sensation caused by campaign and universal condemnation thereof it is significant that I have received no apology or any word whatsoever in respect to it from Foreign Minister.
A reliable friend of Embassy while today calling on Sub-Director of Press and Information Secretariat,2 who also is director and editor of De Frente (paper which during my last interview with Perón I pointed to as making veiled attack on me to which he replied it was opposition paper) in latter’s office at Casa Rosada, found him with desk cluttered with proof sheets of tomorrow’s De Frente issue containing article condemning campaign but also reprinting leaflets. This man explained that first [it] was necessary to disassociate Government from campaign and second to give wider circulation to attacks (sic). This man added that Government intended to pursue its attacks on me.
As reported in separate telegram, backfiring of campaign and my statement3 has so far had excellent effect. I am deferring any specific recommendations in premises until such time as we have further [Page 400] concrete proof of Government implication. Meanwhile Chilean Ambassador4 proposes to submit matter to Diplomatic Corps with view to protest by it. Whether unanimous support for this will be obtained remains to be seen.
Blatantly false preliminary statement by Foreign Minister is being telegraphed in clear.
Repeated to Rio, Santiago, and Montevideo.