Latin America: An Affair of Honor

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With his fierce handlebar mustache, his broad-brimmed hat and black cape, Alfredo Palacios, the "grand old man" of Argentina's Socialist Party, resembles a character out of an 1890 melodrama. Like those 1890 heroes, he emphasizes honor. And in a long political life filled with battles for university reform, rights for women, legalized divorce, many are the duels he has fought to defend it.

Last week, Alfredo Palacios, now 65, was in Lima, Peru, at the invitation of ancient, august San Marcos University. In sonorous cadences he stuck pretty close to his lecture subjects—legality and liberty. Only once did he hint of his hatred for Perón and Perón's Government. During a round of goodbyes, a Peruvian student spoke of the disappearance of academic freedom from Perón-dominated universities. "I am tempted to unburden my sorrow over the situation," replied Palacios, tears brimming his eyes, "but I have promised to deal with my Government only at home."

That was enough for vigorous Argentine Ambassador Hugo Oderigo. He issued a communiqué charging a "certain Argentine politician" with breaking his word not to discuss politics. Palacios heard of the statement, canceled his plane passage, and in a booming voice called on two friends to proceed as seconds to challenge the Ambassador to a duel.

The upshot: Ambassador Oderigo, with good diplomatic sense, announced that his communique had been partly in error. Next day at the airport, as he prepared to return to B.A., Alfredo Palacios, his eyes gleaming, received the warm abrazos and huzzahs of his Peruvian friends.