WEEKLY REVIEW JANUARY 3, 1975[SANITIZED] - 1975/01/03

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Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
06627534
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
U
Document Page Count: 
3
Document Creation Date: 
April 3, 2019
Document Release Date: 
April 12, 2019
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Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
January 3, 1975
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PDF icon WEEKLY REVIEW JANUARY 3, [15515104].pdf204.98 KB
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� Approved for Release: 2018/10/01 C06627534 Weekly Review 3.5(c) Approved for Release: 2018/10/01 C06627534 -Top-Soffit 3.5(c) ecret 3.5(c) January 3, 1975 Copy NP. 649 Approved for Release: 2018/10/01 C06627534 The WEEKLY REVIEW, issued every Friday morning by the Office of Current Intelligence, reports and analyzes significant developments of the week through noon on Thur:Jay. It frequently includes material coordinated with or prepared by the Office of Economic Research, the Office of Strategic. Research, and the Directorate of Science and Technology. Topics requiring more comprehensive treatment and therefore published separately as Special Reports are listed in the contents. Warning Notice Sensitive Intelligence Sources and Methods involved Additional Warning NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION Unauthorized Disclosure Subject to Criminal Sanctions NR WESTERN HEMISPHERE NR 7 Argentina: Growing Military Role 3.5(c) NR Comments and queries on the contents of this publication are welcome. They may be directed tit the editor of the Weekly Review. Approved for Release: 2018/10/01 C06627534 3.5(c) 3.5(c) Approved for Release: 2018/10/01 C06627534 I_ :DP -3EC ET" ARGENTINA: GROWING MILITARY ROLE The armed forces appear to be seeki.-.g a more active role as a power broker in Argentine politics. The continuing success of the army- supported counterterrorist campaign is bolstering army ego, and political activity by some military leaders is increasing. The military is still smarting from the un- popularity that led the Lanusse regime to turn power back to civilians in 1973. Although a coup appears to be highly unlikely, the army is said to be "re-evaluating" its role in the government. President Peron is gradually becoming more acceptable to military leaders, but they are grow- ing more critical of the role of powerful Social Welfare Minister Lopez Rega, who is also Mrs. Peron's private secretary and mentor. Recent be- havior attributed to Lopez Rega, such as his al- leged claim to be in "communication" with Juan Peron, has led some officers to question his san- ity. These critics contend that Mrs. Peron can get 3.5(c) along without him, providing she has the active support of the military and labor. The military has increased informal contacts with key labor leaders recently, apparently in an effort to reduce the influence of extremists in the labor movement and to enhance relations be- tween the military and labor, the strongest power sectors in the country. Meanwhile, the terrorists are on the defen- sive. Their assassinations of army officers have .significantly reduced their popular support and have encouraged maximum efforts by security forces. The terrorists reportedly believe that dur- ing the next few months they will have to concen- trate on revitalizing their organization and infil- trating the labor movement. Nevertheless, they are still capable of spectacular operations�such as the attempted assassination of the Federal Police chief on December 23�and the war against terror- ism is far from over President Peron reviews jet. fighters with air force chief of staff 3.5(c) 3.5(c) Approved for Release: 2018/10/01 C06627534