PARAGUAYAN POLITICAL SITUATION

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 02999958
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: March 9, 2023
• Document Release Date: July 9, 2021
• Case Number: F-2020-01817
• Publication Date: June 22, 1954

Approved for Release: 2021/07/08 CO2999958
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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
INFORMATION REPORT
COW.BEtSAL
This Document contains information affecting the Na-
tional Defense of the United States, within the mean-
ing of Title 18, Sections 793 and 794, of the U.S. Code, as
amended. Its transmission or revelation of its contents
to or receipt by an unauthorized person is prohibited
by law. The reproduction of this form is prohibited.
COUNTRY Paraguay
SUBJECT Paraguayan Political Situation
REPORT NO.
DATE DISTR.
NO. OF PAGES
22 June 1954
2
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DATE OF INFO.
Prior to 1 June 1954
REQUIREMENT NO. RD
PLACE ACQUIRED
REFERENCES
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THE
SOURCE
EVALUATIONS IN THIS REPORT ARE DEFINITIVE.
THE
APPRAISAL OF CONTENT IS TENTATIVE.
(FOR KEY SEE REVERSE)
SOURcE:
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1. As of 1 June 1954 the Paraguayan political scene outwardly was somewhat
more calm than during the previous two weeks, but a state of confusion
continues to exist within the Colorado Party and within the provisional
government. New appointments to many jobs in the different ministries
ere still being made. The only major events of interest during the last
days of May were the speech which the proposed Presidential candidate,
General Alfredo STROESSNER, made at the Colorado Party rally held on
26 May at the Comuneros Stadium, and the appointment of Dr. Guillermo
ENCISO Velloso� Paraguayan Ambassador to the United States, as new
director of the government newspaper El Pais.
2. Most Colorado Party leaders openly are endeavoring to preserve unity
within the party, although most of them, while being "fanatically Colorado"
are nevertheless keeping a close watch to see how the turn of political
events may affect their own personal ambitions. The local government
press has been eulogizing General STROESSNER and extolling his patriotism,
capabilities, and fitness for the office of President. In turn, STROESSNER's
recent speech was extremely pro-Colorado Party in tone.
3. Dr. ENCISO Velloso) whose assignment as Ambassador to the United States has
been reconfirmed by the provisional government, probably will remain in
Asuncion for an indefinite period. As director of El Pais he will have
the most influential role in the preparation and dissemination of Colorado
Party propaganda. In ENCISOls absence, Luis Maria RAMIREZ Boettner will
be in charge of the Paraguayan Embassy in Washington.
5.
Epifanio MENDEZ Fleitas, now director of the Party newspaper Patria, is
working diligently on the newspaper as well as on other party matters,
but he still does not play any outstandingly important role in the present
political confusion.
Current rumors, as well as references in the press) indicate that the
Liberal, Febrerista� and Communist Parties, and also the "Guion Rojo" wing
CONE NTIAL
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CONFIDENTIAL
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of-the-Colorado Party, are actively organizing and conspiring to seize upon
any-Oppartunity for power which a new political crisis might produce.
Actually, such efforts to strengthen organization within these different
groups are not new. They are a continuation of their usual work and
aspirations, and, as before the May political crisis, these groups have
little chance of increasing their influence or of gaining power from the
present situation so long as the Colorado Party can preserve some degree
of unity. The Communist Party of Paraguay continues to try to maintain
its own organi2ation in as clandestine a status as possible.
6. Former President Federico CRAVES, who is residing at his Asuncion residence,
continues to maintain a generally serene attitude concerning his having
lost the office of President. He is not taking any active part in the
affairs of the party or the provisional government at the present time.1
001112DENTIAL
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Approved for Release: 2021/07/08 CO2999958