The Washington times., 1931-03-06
JUNTA OUSTED
AFTER F|VE-DAY
RULE E|NPERU
Followers of Sanchez Cerro
Seize Power in BIoodIess
Coup; Elias Gives Up Office

LIMA, Peru, March GN.SO.
For the fourth time II seven
months, Peru's central govern
ment today experienced a sudden
change of administration.
Troops under command of
Lieut.. Col. Gustavo JimelleZ, and
loyal to former Provisional 7-esi-
dent Luis M. Sanchez Cerro,
ousted the three-man junta set up
by naval commanders Sunday and
seized the power in a oloodless
coup. The provisional govern
ment, headed by DR.. Ricardo L.
Elias, capitulated without a strug-
gle.
Colonel JimeneZ and his troops
landed at CallaO after being re-
called to Lima while on their way
south to SubdUe the Arequipa
rebels, and returned quietly to
barracks.
Later, however, they filtered
through the city, posting them
selves at strategic points.
Scarcely had Colonel J.menez
entered the palace and taken
over the presidential office when
jubilant crowds rushed to the
hotel where Sanchez Cerro -7as
packing in preparation tor his
projected trip to Europe, and
escorted him in triumph to the
palace.
It was assumed Immediately he
would again be installed as pro-
visional president, but later he
left the palace and returned to
his hotel.
It was understood then that
Colonel Jimenez was prepared to
head a junta which would hold
power until a constitutional gov
ernment could be elected accord
ing to promises made by Sanchez
Cerro when he started his Are
quipa revolution in August.
The new governing head issued
a manifesto declaring the capital
in complete order, and assured
the populace that all efforts
would be put forth to settle diff
ferenceS with the southern rebels
and bring peace to the land. The
members of the ousted junta, DR..
Elias. ColonelfBrav6 and Captain
Vinces, were permitted to leave
the government buildings without
molestation.
troops, walked in on DIR. Elias
and a group Of consulting Off
cials and notified them of their
overthrow. They left the palace
without protests.
The coup was almost a One-man
job, 1t was understood here. Col
Onel Jimenez, after posting his
A few hours before DR.. Elias
had notified the southern rebels
that they were welcome to select
their own candidate for the presi-
dency Of Peru, hoping thus to end
the political strife n the land.
Navy May Balk
While all troops in Lima ap-
parently were supporting the new
government, there remained some
doubts as to the navy. Should
the naval commanders oppose the
Jimenez regime there is a strong
possibility that a battle between
land and sea forces may de-
velop in the Callao vicinity.
The government has been un-
stable since the overthrow of the
iron regime" of Augusta B.
Leguia, who ruled the South
American republic for IL years.
Last August he was unseated BY
Lieut.. Col. Sanchez Cerro, who
assumed office after launching
revolt at Arequipa. He took
the presidency at the insist nee
of troops and by popular demand.
DiSsenSion soon again disturbed
the country and on February 20
the garrison at Callao revolted.
The uprising was suppressed, but
on the same day the Arequipa
garrison renounced the Lima gov
ernment and set up a southern
junta." They charged their com.
rade with failure to live up to
promises Of returning Peru to
constitutional government.
His resignation was forced Sun
day when naval commanders
turned against him while a large
part of his troops were On their
way south to fight the rebels.
Al Returns to N. Y.