835.00/2–1446: Telegram
The Chargé in Argentina (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 14—8:06 p.m.]
490. My impression derived from various conversations and abundant reports from Embassy staff is that predominating preliminary reaction to Blue Book is one of stunned humiliation. Few people have read entire text nor has there been time for them to have their secondary reactions. Most democratically-minded Argentines are deeply pleased at publication but enthusiasm is dampened by sense of humiliation. Effect of Blue Book on them in great majority of cases is likely to be increased repudiation of Peronism. Rabid Peronistas appear to have been impressed by Perón’s attack on Braden. There seems to be little disposition so far to doubt essential truth of revelations despite frantic shrieks of Peronista journals and denials of persons mentioned. Although there has been some criticism of timing of publication and of intervention in Argentine internal Affairs so far this has been rather less than I had expected. There is also deepened feeling among thinking people that Argentina can never emerge from her present international difficulties or regain a shred of her former prestige while present crowd remain in office. Some sincere nationalists reported disgusted with Perón as result revelations.
There is definite evidence reported by telephone and other telegrams that Perón is planning a smear campaign. To what extent he will stick to facts cannot as yet be determined but Department should in my opinion begin to consider what measures if any it is going to take in event Perón starts anything. It would also be appreciated if Department would consider giving me authority to act independently at last moment before elections, since Perón is quite capable of some infamous fabrication in last minute effort to sway electorate.