REBELLION IN PARAGUAY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R00890A000600070042-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 15, 2000
• Sequence Number: 42
• Publication Date: December 22, 1955
• Content Type: BRIEF

NSC BRIFL'ING e T 22 r--:EMBER 1955
Approved For'Riase 2001/03/04: CIA-RDP79R890A0006000700 2-8
I. According to late press reports, heavy
fighting broke out in Asuncion late on
21 Dec between rebelling units of army and
police and forces loyal to President
Stroessner (pronounced "STRONER" in
Para.gua.y) .
A. Rebellion apparently precipitated by
Stroessner's order for arrest of
Epifanio Mendez Fleita.s, Central Bank
president and a controversial leader in
Paraguay's ruling "Colorado" Party.
B. Rebellion grew out of conflict among
various "Colorado" factions--the con-
servatives wanting to oust Mendez and
others considered pro-Peron.
C. Mendez, in turn, has been seeking to
reduce political power of the military.
III. Outcome of rebellion uncertain in view of
Conflicting claims regarding loyalties of
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as commander-in-chief of Pa.ra.gua.y's
6,500 armed forces, but Mendez claims
to have support of several key commanders
and has given special favors to younger
officers.
B. 6,300 police reported to support Mendez.
25X1 C
Mendez holds apparent advantage both
in party and in military.
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Aplproved For Release 2001/03/04 ? IA-RT P79R0089OA0006000700 2-8