JORGE RAFAEL VIDELA - ARGENTINA - 1980/05/19

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Argentina Declassification Project - The "Dirty War" (1976-83)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06627145
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: April 3, 2019
• Document Release Date: April 12, 2019
• Publication Date: May 19, 1980

Approved for Release: 2018/09/17 C06627145
3.5(b)
Jorge Rafael VIDELA
(Phonetic: veeDEHla).,
President (since March
1976)
Addressed as:
Mr. President
On 24 March 1976 then
Army Commander Lt. Gen.
Jorge Videla led a
bloodless coup against
the government of Presi-
dent Marfa de Peron.
Five days later he was
installed as Argentina's
39th president. Videla,
who retired from the Army
in July 1978, shares su-
preme governing authority with the members of a
three-man military junta, which represento the three
services. 3.5(c)
Before the coup, while many officers lobbied
vociferously to end the inept Peronist government,
Videla was the voice of patience. Ironically, he
sincerely tried to keep the Army out of politics.
Eventually, however, a nonfunctioning government,
rampant terrorism, a 300 percent yearly inflation
rate, and an economy near collapse compelled him to
act. The coup was well managed and methodical,
showing careful attention to detail and a well-
disciplined command structure. Since then, under
Videla's guidance, inflation has been significantly
reduced and terrorism nearly eliminated from Argen-
tine life. Today, because Argentina is an important
world food producer and exporter and is nearly self-
sufficient in energy, it is able to negotiate with
other nations from a position of strength. Despite
Videla's successes, however, hardline members of the
armed forces are unhappy with his moderate, cautious
approach to government, his backing for the auster-
ity policies of Economy Minister Jose Martinez de
Hoz, and what they view as an overly moderate stance
on the Beagle Channel sovereignty dispute with
Chile. To date the malcontents pose no threat to
Videla's government. 3.5(c)
ARGENTINA
Argentine Nationalist
Videla has a strong sense of nationalism and
pride in Argentina's independence and potential.
18`.,,.11133
(cont.)
CR n 80-12590
EO 13526
3.3(b)(1)>25Yrs
EO 13526
3.5(c)
Approved for Release: 2018/09/17 C06627145
3.5(c)
3.3(b)(1)
Approved for Release: 2018/09/17 C06627145
Although pro-United States, he is ready to assert
Argentina's independence and to enhance its prestige
and influence in the world, even if this means
transcending traditional alliances. He is also
intent on reestablishing the democratic process in
Argentine politics, though not before he is con-
vinced it can be done without economic disruption.
The President travels extensively in Argentina,
and he has met privately with representatives of the
religious, scientific, business and rural communi-
ties, as well as with members of the press. He has
also made several trips to other South American
countries to strengthen relations. Videla came to
the United States several times before becoming
President. In 1977 he visited this country for the
signing of the Panama Canal treaties. In 1979 he
visited Japan in a bid to strengthen economic and
commercial ties.
3.5(c)
Career
Videla was born into an Army family in
Mercedes, Buenos Aires Province. He entered the
Argentine Military Academy in 1942 and began his
career as an infantry officer in 1944. Significant
military assignments he has held include those of
director, Military Academy (1971-72); chief, Army
General Staff (1973-75); chief, Armed Forces Joint
Staff (1975); and Commander in Chief, Army (1975-
78). 3.5(c)
Personal Data
Videla, 54, is a professional soldier of un-
questioned integrity, .a_strict. moralist of the old
school, and a devout Roman Catholic. His hatred of
corruption ands eli lolls devotion are le endar
in Argentina.
Married to the former Alicia Raquel Hartridge,
Videlailas_sev_en children. He speaks some Eng-
lish.
3.5(c)
19 May 1980
Approved for Release: 2018/09/17 C06627145