CRISIS IN BRAZIL

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25347, 31 October 1945, Page 7

CRISIS IN BRAZIL

VARGAS RESIGNS 15 YEARS' RULE ENDS TENSION CULMINATES I'liE-ELECTION UNEEST TOWER GIVEN TO COURT (Heed. 11.15 p.m.) NEW YORK. Oct. 30 A series of conflicting reports from Brazil has culminated in an announcement that the President, Dr Getulio Vargas, has agreed to resign. The Minister of War, General Monteiro, announcing this in the name of the Army in a communique broadcast from Rio de Janeiro, said the President had handed over his powers to the head of the Supreme Court, Joes Linhares. He added that Dr Vargas would make a proclamation explaining that his course of action has been taken to avoid disturbances. Dr Vargas has been in power for over 1 5 years. Three of Dr Varg as' Cabinet are said to have been arrested. Senor Linhares has promised that the December elections will go on and that the new president will take office in February. The head of the air force. General Gomez, and a man put forward by Dr Vargas, are the two candidates. Support by Police Chief An agency message says that tanks, which have been guarding the palace, drove into the grounds just as President Vargas left. The same message says that the acting-President has the support of the former chief of police whose replacement by Dr Vargas' brother led to tension in Rio de Janeiro when the city was already becoming keyed up about the elections to be held on December 2. The Rio de Janeiro radio says there has been no actual disturbance during these events. The military commander of the district has ordered mobilisation of the armed forces to keep order, and troops have taken up positions in the city. A statement by General Monteiro was broadcast by the Rio radio in which he pledged himself in spite of ill-health and the wish to retire, to carry out his duty to his country and the armed forces in view of the "approaching wave of anarchy." General Monteiro had resigned late yesterday, but early today he announced that lie had reconsidered his resignation, at .the request of army officers and resumed his post. American diplomats were cautious in interpreting the significance of Dr Vargas' sudden decision to resign. Senor

Linluires is reported to enjoy the confidence of the Brazilian public. Recent reports reaching Washington indicated that Dr Vargas was considering resigning because the Brazilian people would more readily accept the election result as fair without the interference of the Administration. Dr Vargas cannot stand for the Presidency under the present election law which stipulates that candidates must resign public office three months before the date of the elections. Dr \ argas led a successful revolt against the Central Government in 1930 and was proclaimed President. He promised reforms, but for two years ruled by military power. Me then revoked that rule and for a time his measures were successful; he balanced the Budget and even secured a surplus. However, the world economic crisis xas too much for him and the Governreent was forced to buy up coffee to destroy it. \ argas kept up the value of the currency to meet external obligations without embarrassing the Budget, but this adversely affected the coffee exporters. The resulting unrest grew to serious proportions and Vargas was faced with revolt. He declared martial law in November, 193.5. and the Communists were crushed by the armed forces. In November, 1937, Vargas suspended the Constitution he had formulated and established a dictatorship. The following year an attempt was made to overthrow him, hut it was quelled. Vargas himself held the rebels at bay until military aid was rushed to him. Vargas has been described as a kindly little man not corresponding to preconceived ideas of a dictator. "Speaking with him," says a correspondent, "one forgets his lack of height. His massive forehead, his sharp, hooked nose, his twinkling eyes, which at a moment's notice can become piercing, and his broad, thin-lipped mouth—these are the features that impress the visitor." Vargas is 63 years old, and was educated as a lawver.