150. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Argentina 1
1998. Re Asuncion tel 348.2 Dept’s position on presence Peron this hemisphere especially any country bordering Argentina has been based on firm evidence his continuing intent attempt regain power Argentina. Likewise, previous Argentine Govt was implacably hostile Peron and took firm action against those govts which gave him residence. Since Frondizi inauguration Dept has no firm statement from his govt re attitude toward Peron. Therefore, unless objection perceived, Embassy Buenos Aires should inform GOA soonest [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] of report Peron’s impending departure for Paraguay. Embassy should seek obtain clear statement GOA position toward possible Peron return Paraguay or any other bordering country but without itself expressing opinion.
At present Dept does not rpt not believe it can do more than has been done this matter. Question of Peron’s activities and possible entry Paraguay seems squarely responsibility GOA and GOP. Amb. Ploesser has made unmistakably clear to GOP our views and apparently now being met with either no comment or evasion.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 735.00/6–1358. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Vaky and Rubottom and initialed by Rubottom. Also sent Niact to Asunción and repeated Niact to Ciudad Trujillo.↩
- Telegram 348, June 13, urgently requested the Department to act on a report from Buenos Aires which indicated that if necessary Frondizi would ask the Government of Paraguay not to give Perón asylum. (ibid.)↩