ARGENTINA: Big Buildup

In Buenos Aires this week, Juan and Eva Perón braced themselves to lend an ear to the voice of history, look fate in the eye and shake destiny by the hand. The stage was set for at least 2,000,000 Argentines to gather in a vast, “spontaneous” outpouring, and demand that Juan and Eva run for President and Vice President, respectively, in the November presidential elections.

By week’s end the crowds were already gathering. In response to manifestoes issued by the General Confederation of Labor (C.G.T.), provincial workers were beginning to stream into the capital. Transportation by train, plane, ship or bus was free. When the great day came, free buses and taxis would be waiting at piers and railway stations. Also free to the visitors: food, drinks, futbol games, boxing matches, variety shows, movies.

But all the bread and all the circuses could not hide the well-oiled machinery behind the scenes. The C.G.T. is no independent labor-organization; its manifestoes are Perón orders. The calling of the rally meant that Perón and Evita had made up their minds to go full speed ahead with their plans, breaking all precedents.

Never before in Argentina had a President flouted tradition by serving consecutive terms; never before in Argentina—or any other country in the hemisphere—had a woman been groomed for Vice President. For the smashing of such precedents, a mere Peronista party nomination (to be had at the crooking of a finger) was not enough. The nomination had to appear to be a reluctant surrender to the irresistible popular will. Huge crowds and tremendous noises were required. Therefore the rally. The scenario called for the mob to shout for Perón & Perón until all Argentina had heard well. After that, the Peróns’ decision—and a great moment for the onetime actress who is now the most powerful woman in the Americas.