Naval Demands For Frondizi To Resign

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29782, 27 March 1962, Page 13

Naval Demands For Frondizi To Resign

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

BUENOS AIRES, March 26.

The Argentine Navy last night publicly called on President Arturo Frondizi to resign immediately as the best solution to Argentina’s worst political-military crisis in seven years.

Then Army General Pedro Aramburu, a venerated leader called out of retirement in an attempt to mediate the crisis, told the 21,000,000 Argentinians they faced the peril of civil war if the crisis was not s olved quickly. He urged a national effort to save the situation and called on opposing forces to end their strife, the Associated Press reported.

General Aramburu, who played a key role in ousting the exiled dictator, Juan Peron, in 1955, served as provisional President until Mr Frondizi was elected three years later. The Navy demands and General Aramburu’s warning came after Mr Frondizi, fighting desperately to save his four-year-old regime, patched together a new Cabinet he hoped would satisfy his foes. But his efforts appeared to be of no avail, AT*, said. His opponents insisted anew that his resignation was the only way to end the crisis resulting from last week’s landslide election victories by Peron’s followers.

television to warn in a 15minute speech that “the Republic is in danger . . . and many fear all is lost.”

“This is the last chance to achieve a fundamental solution.” He urged all opposing factions to forget their grievances and unite in seeking a solution. A Frondizi aide said the new Cabinet would be sworn in later today. The eight-man Cabinet includes three members of Mr Frondizi’s Intransigent Radical Party, two Christian Democrats and two

Independents. The political affiliation of the eight members was not disclosed. While the nation's military leaders conferred during the day, Mr Frondizi conferred with politicians and retired military leaders. Early today the Army proclaimed a temporary truce in its tug of war with the President, A.P. reported later. However, the Air Force still had not made public its stand early today.

As General Aramburu spoke, security units reinforced strategic points in the capital city in an obvious move to safeguard against disorders, A.P. said. Calling on the country to support his mediation efforts, General Aramburu said:

In a message to commanders throughout Argentina, the Army Secretary, General Rosendo Fraga, said General Aramburu must be allowed to finish his 10-day attempt at mediation. After General Aramburu reported on his mediation efforts. General Fraga said, the Army would “co-ordinate its action” with the Navy and Air Force for a decisive stand.

The Navy, heading the Opposition, made its declaration against Mr Frondizi in an official communique. Mr Frondizi has pledged that nothing will make him resign.

The communique was issued shortly before General Aramburu went on radio and

Powdered Butter

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) MELBOURNE, March 26

A powdered butter has been developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Indus trial Research Organisation Although it cannot be sprinkled on bread. C.S.I.R 9 se'entists said today it could be used for many purposes such as in ice cream, cake mixes, white sauce and frying batter.

Boxer Unconscious

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) NEW YORK, March 26

The Cuban boxer, Benny “Kid" Paret, continued to fight for his life early today, after his defeat at the hands of Emile Griffiths in a world welter-weight title bout. Paret has not regained consciousness since he fell under Griffith’s right hand in the ■twelfth round of their title fight in New York’s Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.

Soviet Strength.— The military potential of the Soviet Union had not been substantially strengthened by SovietWestern trade, the United States Secretary of Defence (Mr R. McNamara) said in congressional testimony made public last night.—Washington, March 26.