ARGENTINA: Death for Tyrants

"A death certificate for tyrants" is the phrase that President Pedro Aramburu uses to describe the constitutional changes —largely limitations on executive power—that he favors. Last week General Aramburu signed a decree summoning Argentines to an election July 28 to pick delegates for the Constituent Assembly that will write the changes.

As he called the election. Aramburu quietly tightened support for the reforms among his military backers. His Army Minister, Arturo Ossorio Arana, summoned key military men and cited constitutional history to prove that firmer checks are needed on the executive branch. Under the present constitution, Ossorio Arana pointed out the President can in effect legislate by decree during the seven months of the year when Congress is adjourned. He can also remove elected provincial governors and appoint interventors in their place—a power often abused in the past.

In a separate meeting. Aramburu made it plain to the brass that once the constitution is revised, he will stick to his plan to hold general elections next February and turn over power to whatever government is chosen. The twin elections that Aramburu plans will be the country's first free and fair votes in eleven years.

To prop up the slipping Argentine peso (now down to 40 to the dollar at the free rate). Aramburu last week got a $75 million loan from the International Monetary Fund. To draw the dollars. Argentina must post an equivalent sum in pesos (figured at the official rate of 18 to the dollar) and within three to five years must repurchase the pesos with dollars at the same ratio.