835.00/3–946: Telegram
The Chargé in Argentina (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:40 p.m.]
703. [Here follows a description of the procedure used in conducting elections and methods of fraud most commonly employed in the past.]
It is Embassy’s opinion on basis available evidence significant fraud could not have been conducted during voting process. Likewise Embassy thus far has no reason to believe there was fraud in terms of tampering with ballot boxes following completion voting process. Seems significant this respect none of democratic parties has voiced protest or even suspicion important irregularity. Only such suggestions, minor in nature, have been on part Peronista press.
Reasons for new elections in various electoral districts Buenos Aires and Tucuman have been minor discrepancies between number ballots in ballot boxes and voters listed on electoral registers (if discrepancy greater than three in precinct new elections may be called). In [Page 234] Tucumán irregularities which formed basis for new elections were in opinion political parties so unimportant that all petitioned electoral authorities to disregard them. Board proceeded despite petition.
In conclusion Embassy must repeat there has been no evidence so far of important fraud or irregularities in conduct voting or counting process. It may be presumed political groups themselves, particularly losing side, would be first to voice protest if there seemed any reasonable basis therefor.