President Flees From Capital

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30406, 3 April 1964, Page 11

President Flees From Capital

(N Z. Press Association—Copyright) RIO DE JANEIRO, April 2. President Goulart of Brazil hurriedly left Brasilia by air with his family and personal staff last night in the face of a massive anti-Gommunist militarypolitical revolt. He flew to Porto Alegre, capital of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil’s southern-most state, which borders Argentina and Uruguay, Mr Darcy Ribiero, chief of his household was told Congress last night.

A radio station calling itself “Liberty Network” last night said two warships had sailed from Rio for Santos to take up “strategic positions” in case proGoulart elements in Rio Grande do Sul had any bright ideas of staging a repressive movement.” Government spokesmen in Brasilia said Mr Goulart was understood to have resigned orally but he said on arrival from Rio at Brasilia airport: “I will not resign or shoot myself in the heart.”

Earlier, rebels claimed Pre- ■ si dent Goulart had resigned ■ and announced Mr Ranieri ■ Mazzilli would succeed him. I President Goulart told ■ British United Press before ■ flying out: “There is no end ■ to the situation yet. The ■ would-be coup makers have I not yet dominated the situa- ■ tion.” Victory for the rebels came I when the First Army, which ■ had been loyal to the Presi- ■ dent, went over to the rebels. I Governor Carlos Lacerda of I Guanabara State appeared on ■ television and announced that ■ President Goulart “has left I the Government after hiding all day.” Troops loyal to President Goulart ringed Brasilia airport and closed it to civilians

before his departure with his family aboard a chartered plane. In Porto Alegre, Mr Brizola appeared in control. Governor Meneghetti, who joined the rebels moved the State capital to an undisclosed place in the interior after refusing to place the State militia under the control of the loyal Third Army.