Army Holds The Ring For President Frondizi

Press, Issue 29236, 21 June 1960, Page 14

Army Holds The Ring For President Frondizi

The short-lived revolt in Argentina is evidence more of President Frondizi’s strength than of his weakness. Be seems to have retained the solid support of the army in spite of its grumblings about his dealings with some of the Peron faction. It is now probable that he will be able to retain his uneasy balance until the end of his term in 1964, which is good for Argentina, and for the nations doing business with the republic. Though President Frondizi’s realistic economic policies are irritating to most citizens they are already beginning to show heartening results, as, for instance, in the increased meat exports and in the higher credit rating of Argentina. Both politically and economically, the country is beginning to recover from the hectic folly of the Peron regime, which emptied the treasury and brought the

pastoral industry almost to its knees. The austerity has meant real sacrifices, particularly for those trade unions that had been pampered by Peron. The Peronists and the Communists are busy exploiting these discontents; but as long as the army holds the ring the Government can persist with its programme. Its adversary is the weakness of the economy of Argentina. If this weakness can be overcome quickly enough, preferably before the next round of Congressional elections in 1962 and at latest by 1964, Argentina may have a stable future. Otherwise, in a triangular contest for power among the army, Peronists, and Communists, the best interests of the country will be lost sight of. As the “ Guardian ”, Manchester, commented recently: “ In “ Argentina, as elsewhere, “democracy and prosperity are “closely linked”.