834.00/9–947
The Second Secretary of Embassy in Paraguay (Hoyt) to the Secretary of State
No. 2853
Sir: With reference to previous despatches concerning communist participation in the revolution, I have the honor to enclose a memorandum from Special Assistant Almon containing further information on the part played by communists and their leaders in the rebel campaign. An international communist brigade composed of Paraguayans, Bolivians, Brazilians and Argentines was formed, under the direct leadership of the number two communist in Paraguay, Obdulio Barthe, and took an active part in troop movements. In addition other important communists operated the rebel radio station “La Voz de la Victoria” when the rebel forces came down from Concepción in their attack on the capital.
The Paraguayan Government reported the existence of this international brigade as the war ended, and stated that Barthe and his followers had fled to the interior of the country to escape capture. The attached memorandum47 substantiated this government claim and states that the group may have numbered as high as 350 men. The brigade was with the rebel troops in the fighting around Asunción, and the Embassy has received numerous reports regarding the active participation of Barthe in the events of the last few weeks of the war. It appears evident that he exerted considerable influence in the rebel ranks. The Embassy received an unconfirmed report that the members of this international brigade wore special arm bands to distinguish them from the regular troops.
The importance of communist operation of the rebel radio station cannot be overlooked. The station had a large radio audience, and was [Page 996] continually cited by those persons in opposition to the Government as the only source of authentic news of the progress of the war. News, rumors, and propaganda broadcast over “La Voz de la Victoria” were given out the next day on the streets of Asunción as confirmed facts. That communists should be handling this news, propaganda, etc., indicates that they had at least substantial influence in rebel activities.
Although, as the Embassy has consistently reported, this was far from a communist-dominated rebellion, it is obvious that the communists did play a certain part in it and were taking advantage of the situation to advance their own ends at every opportunity. Reviewing this participation, and considering just how close the rebels came to winning, one cannot help but surmise that the communists would have necessarily participated to some extent in any government which might have been set up by the rebels; this despite Liberal assurances that the communists would have been dropped once the victory was won.
Respectfully yours,
- Not printed.↩