47. Telegram 3741 From the Embassy in Argentina to the Department of State1
3741. Subject: Possible International Implications of Violent Deaths of Political Figures Abroad. Ref: State 137156.
1. Elements of GOA security forces may well have been involved in murders of Uruguayans Michelini and Gutierrez Ruiz and of Bolivian ex-President Torres. Embassy has no positive evidence that this is the case but there is considerable circumstantial evidence. Those who kidnapped Gutierrez Ruiz, for example, remained at his home for something like an hour, made no effort to hide their presence and obviously did not fear intervention on part of police. Left-wing terrorists unlikely to have behaved with such impunity. Further, federal police at first refused to even accept denuncia of Mrs. Michelini when she attempted to report that her husband had been kidnapped, and they made no effort to investigate until several days later.
2. Even though elements of govt security forces may be involved, it is by no means clear that such operations are condoned by top echelons of GOA. On contrary, Videla and moderates may well disapprove. Videla reportedly very disturbed over Torres murder and is said to have given orders that matter must be investigated thoroughly and those guilty brought to justice. So far, however, despite his seemingly good intentions, Videla has not been able to stop abuses. Sources close to him insist that he will shortly take measures to bring situation under control. So far, however, he has not asserted himself and taken effective measures. This could simply reflect his cautious style. On the other hand, some observers are convinced that Videla does not have the strength to confront the hardliners and that a confrontation would [Page 135] lead to his removal as President; hence, this theory holds, he must ride along and hope that a propitious moment presents itself.
3. Whatever the reason for Videla’s continued inertia in this area, the results are the same. Our best estimate is that elements of security service are involved, that they have approval at least of their immediate superiors and count on tolerance (or more) of levels even higher. How high acquiescence goes is impossible to determine at this time. One thing is clear, Videla cannot long hide behind protestations of innocence. If such abuses continue much longer without effective countermeasures, culpability (whether by omission or commission) inevitably will be imputed to his govt.
4. Argentine security forces are certainly in touch with sister services in neighboring countries and there may well be cooperation among them. UNHCR here has told EmbOff his office has names of Uruguayan security officers now in Buenos Aires who are cooperating with GOA security forces in identifying Uruguayan exiles of interest to GOU. UNHCR is investigating five specific cases of Uruguayans believed to have been taken back to Uruguay. UN rep suggests that hardline elements within Uruguayan military sponsored deaths of Michelini and Gutierrez Ruiz, with executive assistance of like-minded elements in Argentine security forces. Theory is that this was intended as warning to others in GOU against any “apertura” to moderate or leftist elements, and would have practical effect of eliminating potential leaders of Uruguayan opposition. Embassy Montevideo is in better position to comment on this theory. Whether GOU was involved or not in Michelini/Gutierrez Ruiz affair, we believe, as indicated above, that Argentine security forces, or elements thereof, were. GOA would have limited interest in elimination of such exile leaders for its own ends, however; hence, it is likely that killings were meant as a favor (whether requested or not) to GOU or to elements in Uruguayan military/security forces.
5. In case of former President Torres of Bolivia, we have less to draw upon. Reports have reached us that Torres was considered by GOA to have been directly and actively involved with Bolivian extremists such as ELN and Argentine Montoneros. GOA, or its hardline elements, might have had sufficient cause to kill him for own ends, or same situation may have existed as outlined above for Uruguay. UNHCR rep, who knows countries of region well, feels that killing of exile leader such as Torres is not in Bolivian style—Embassy La Paz will be better judge of that. On other hand, UN rep told us that posters have been reported in city of Salta and Argentine/Bolivian border areas which carry photos and names of prominent Bolivian exiles such as Torres and which ask Argentine public to report whereabouts to Argentine (sic) police. Posters are said to carry seal of Bolivian Govt. We have no confirmation of this.
[Page 136]6. UN rep also reports presence of Chilean security officers in Mendoza, and says he is certain there are Brazilian officers on liaison missions here as well. He has no firm reports as yet of forcible repatriations or arranged killings of nationals of these countries, however, but he believes they are taking place.
7. In realm of speculation, UN rep suggests that there may be an informal “understanding” and cooperation among hardline elements in military governments of Southern Cone to purge area of what they consider “Communist and leftist” elements, by specific killings and by intimidation of various exile communities and resultant exodus to countries out of region. The theory is interesting and would possibly explain developments.
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Summary: The Embassy reported circumstantial evidence that elements of the Argentine security forces were involved in the killing of foreign political figures in exile in Argentina. The Embassy also called the theory that hard-liners within Southern Cone governments were working together to eliminate Communists and leftists “interesting,” adding that it “would possibly explain developments.”
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760219–0086. Secret; Immediate. Repeated Priority to Asunción, Brasília, La Paz, and Montevideo. In telegram 137156 to Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Asunción, Santiago, Brasília, and La Paz, June 4, the Department noted its concern over “the recent sharp increase in the number of assassinations of foreign political figures in exile or political asylum in or from your countries” and asked if “the deaths of political refugees or asylees from your country abroad could have been arranged by your host government through institutional ties to groups, governmental or other, in the country where the deaths took place.” (Ibid., D760214–0807)
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