835.00/1–2546: Telegram
The Chargé in Argentina (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
secret
Buenos
Aires, January
25, 1946—3 p.m.
[Received 3:45 p.m.]
[Received 3:45 p.m.]
261. Possibility of early revolutionary movement appears steadily increasing:
- 1.
- Group of younger army and navy officers are known to be demanding really fair elections, notably by removal of pro Perón intervention.
- 2.
- Civilians are known to be organizing, for example, a large inquiry for bandages has been made by democratic women. Also reliable reports indicate resistance movement is planning to announce revolutionary outbreak over three principal Buenos Aires radio stations and then sabotage these and all other stations in the city, leaving clandestine stations only service available. Arms are being ever more widely distributed among democratic civilians.
- 3.
- Bombers and fighters at Palomar have been loaded with bombs for past 10 days.
- 4.
- Tension is increasing particularly because of Peronista attacks on Tamborini22 presidential train and appointment Albarino23 as commander of Campo de Mayo.
- 5.
- Government’s prestige is steadily sinking despite Albardhos dismissal as interventor of Buenos Aires and greater impartiality of police in Buenos Aires in suppressing disturbances. Basic question now is whether Government has will and ability to enforce fair elections. This is generally doubted, leading many people to conclude there will be no elections. One rift in clouds is gossip of conciliation candidate.
- 6.
- Conviction apparently gaining ground in both camps that Perón cannot win in fair elections. This may force Perón either to greatly increased fraud and intimidation or to attempt a coup. Democratic forces are naturally taking heart and resolved to stand firmer.
Cabot