835.00/2–2546: Telegram
The Chargé in Argentina (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:18 p.m.]
583. Press organs, both Democratic and Peronista, are unanimous in eulogizing conduct of yesterday’s elections, which are variously described as cleanest in Argentine history and as exemplifying high civic culture of Argentine nation. No case of disorder or intimidation is reported from anywhere in republic and although there appears to have been isolated instances of localized irregularities, both press factions are agreed upon inevitability and unimportance of such. Armed forces came in for merited praise for efficient organization of election and impartiality of their supervision. Tamborini is quoted as saying that conduct of elections evidences “renewed brotherhood between the people and the armed forces”.
Special Embassy observers, both in capital and provincial vicinity and in provinces, confirm press reports.
Streets of capital and even southern industrial suburbs in Buenos Aires Province were deserted during day except for cues at polling [Page 222] places on legitimate business of suffrage. All cafés, restaurants, theaters, tobacconists, even zoological garden closed.
Both groups are expressing certainty of victory of respective presidential candidates but unless Democratic landslide in key provinces of Buenos Aires and Santa Fe (observers believe Perón win would only be by narrow margin) definitely indicative returns may not be expected before week. Count of votes only begins at each provincial and at federal capital when all urns pertaining to each are assembled. Only definite date in electoral decree of December 1, 1945 is April 24 next wherein National Congress must constitute itself.
As already reported, Armed Forces will continue to protect urns during transportation to capitals and thereafter until scrutiny by electoral boards is completed.
There has as yet been no suggestion of fraud during remaining procedure.