835.00/2–1646: Telegram
The Chargé in Argentina (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 16—2:46 p.m.]
515. Reaction among Armed Forces regarding Blue Book appears mixed but on the whole unfavorable. Among Navy, criticism reported limited; majority of officers apparently satisfied with publication. However, I have had message from vitally placed Admiral indicating that publication was prejudiced anti-Peronistas and strongly pleading that nothing further be published before elections.
We have as yet few reports of reaction among Army. There appears some reason to view their reaction with apprehension. (See below).…
Many people … feel that unfavorable reaction … will be disastrous to Democratic chances in elections. They point out that officers of Armed Forces directly affected by political charges must do everything in their power to retain Govt. in friendly hands and that many lower officers are now more likely to accept grossly fraudulent elections. I hope that more ample reports will indicate that this is not the case.