ARMY GROUP COUP IN ARGENTINA

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 121, 17 February 1944, Page 6

ARMY GROUP COUP IN ARGENTINA

Several Ministers Said To Have Resigned CABINET SHAKEN (By Telegraph.— Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received February 16, 9.30 pan.) NEW YORK, February 15. A group of comparatively junior army officer’s, alarmed at reports, that Argentina is about to declare war on the Axis, have seized the Foreign Ministry, ousting the Foreign Minister, Senor Gilbert, and the Under-Seere-tary, Senor Ibarra Garcia, reports the “New Yofk Times” Buenos Aires correspondent. This violent action, which is a true coup d'etat, shook the Cabinet to its foundations, causing the resignation of the Presidential secretary, Senor Gonzales. Several other Ministers are reported to have resigned, and General Ramirez’s position as Prime Minister appears to be greatly compromised. ■ -tt •» The notorious G.O.U. (Group of United Officers) which represents the more violently neutralist, wing of army opinion. met yesterday and today ejected the two man most directly responsible tor Argentina’s foreign policy. Where Ramirez stands is not yet clear, but presumably he favoured a declaration of war. Consequently,' it seems logical that his further stay in tbc- presidency is impossible. Colonel Juan D. Peron. head of the Labour amLSoci’l Welfare Department, controls most of the army through the G O.U. Moreover, many officers actually commanding the troops have already declared themselves against Ramirez. Complete Secrecy.

The G.O.U. coup at the Foreign Ministry was carried out with such efficient se’crecv that most people were unaware that anything unusual was occurring. It appears clear that the G.0.U.. which has always opposed rupture with the Axis, is again firmly in the saddle. . A Montevideo message quotes unofficial reports of the resignation of the Foreign Minister, Senor Gilbert, the Minister of Justice, Senor Zuvinia. and the Presidential secretary. Senor Gonzales. A New York message quoting the United Press of America, says that the resignations may lead to complete reorganization of the Government with a new alignment favourable to the United Nations. A high state of unrest is said to have prevailed in Buenos Aires. Troops, and police have been placed on the alert. It is persistently reported that Argentina will declare war against the Axis. ■ The Montevideo correspondent ot the Associated Press of America, confirming the “New York Times” report of the coup, said: “Opinion here is Ramirez’s resignation will he forced and that the VicePresident, General Edeliniro Farrell will succeed. One theory advanced for the sudden move hy the army officers was that some of them had been deeply involved tn - snv ring activities and therefore they : were forced to move fast before Gonzales ’ could publish his report on espionage agents. -