COUP RUMORS IN PERU

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-290-4-16-8
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: February 19, 2010
• Sequence Number: 16
• Publication Date: June 9, 1971
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/02/19: LOC-HAK-290-4-16-8
MEMORANDUM FOR:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Jaw' q19
HENRY A. I1SSINCER ,al
Coup Rumors in P' tru
*lements In the Peruvian
Armed Forces may be seeking to remove President Velasco in the near
future. There are indications that former Minister of the Interior, Gen-
eral Armando Artola, arrsny be involved in the plotting. Artola himself
returned abruptly to Lima, Monday after only one week of what was to be
several weeks of vacation In the US and Europe. No explanation was
offered for his hasty return. Artola was forced out of office by Velasco
in a recent cabinet shuffle ter he made the political blunder of detaining
a popular Bishop). Artola, like Velasco, Is strongly nationalistic, statist.
oriented, but reportedly anti -c ornmunist.
There have been growing economic and political problems in Peru, as
well as some indications of increasing distention In the military. Thus.
Velasco's position could be less solid than outward appearances indicate.
Any change which might take place, however, is more likely to be an
institutional one rather than a coup brought off by a group of individuals
m their own behalf.
SECRET
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/02/19: LOC-HAK-290-4-16-8
 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/02/19: LOC-HAK-290-4-16-8
ACTION
June 3, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR: DR. K15SU GER
FROM: ARNOLD NACHMANOFF
SUBJECT: Coup Rumors in Peru
Attached for your signature at 'Jab A Is an information memorandum
from you to the President on recent reports that a coup may be in the
wind in Peru. Until recently, Velasco seemed firmly in the saddle,
but he has been experiencing growing economic and political pressures
as well as increased dissection in the armed forces. The armed forces
might conclude that the time has comae to dispense with him but any
change is likely to be an institutional one.
That you sign the memo to the President At Tab A.
Tab A - Memo to the President
SECRET
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/02/19: LOC-HAK-290-4-16-8