Evening star., 1940-03-03

many officers and men would follow
him.
On the other hand, Almazan re-
portedly has told some friends that
he will retire, II defeated, and on
no account will lead q rebellion.
He Is q very wealthy man-his
fortune was made In construction.
principally Of roads, several of which
he Is now building for the govern
ment-and would stand to lose q
great deal If the revolt were q
failure.
This issue has not crystallized
yet. so few reliable sources agree
on the possibility Of a revolution.
The foreign oil companies, fire.
quently accused in the past of
financing revolutions, have been
charged by government officials
privately Of contributing money to
Almazan with the understanding
ne would return their properties
to them.
Request Made for Funds.
A well-informed United States oil
omcial declared emphatically when
questioned about these charges.
The oil companies, I know from
personal investigation, have not
contributed cents to any political
party, though representatives of all
factions have asked US for funds"
Standing across the path of Al
mazan Is Avila Camacho, who per-
sonally supervised the suppression
OF the rebellion of Gen. Saturnino
Cedillo in 1898.
Avila Camacho was then minister
OF war. from which post he resigned
TO become the presidential candi-
GATE OF the nations pro-government
elements.
When his candidacy was an
nounced Almazanistas distributed
posters throughout the country hail
ing Camacho as THE Unknown
Soldier" because of his relatively
undistinguished record before be-
coming minister Of war.
His candidacy was determined
upon by Cardenas, long his friend
and fellow soldier. In the reyolu-
ton Of 1922. Avila Camacho was
with Cardenas when they were
captured In . desperate battle dur
Ing which Cardenas was wounded
critically.
Union Indorses Camacho.
The omcial government party, the
PRM. and the nations outstand-
Ing labor union, the CTM tConfed-
GRAFTON Of Mexican Workers., have
indorsed the 44-year-old Avila Ca
macho. The great organization of
peasants, the CNC National Con-
federation of Peasants) is behind
him. He has a large following in
the army. And. because of his
conservative statements. many men
OF Industrial and business impor-
tance In the nation are supporting
him also because they are confident
he will be the next chief executive
The candidate has indicated
frankly In his campaign speeches
that he believes the time for con-
solidation of the many Cardenas
IcIOrmS mas come,
In an interview with foreign COR
respondents only q few days ago,
Camacho declared:
MY administration will be one of
consolidation. All that has been
projected must be made to function
more and more perfectly for the
common good Of the people. NV
administration will not be one of
innovations.
A skillful polo player, the general
In his campaign speeches has sound
ed . defense Of Cardenas' RADICAL
liberal government and assured the
continuance and consolidation of his
policies.
Despite his Endorsement of the
constitutional amendment making
teaching Of socialist doctrine COM
pulsory, Avila Camacho has de-
Tended freedom of thought, of re-
lgion and Of speech. He was re-
ported to be privately opposed to
the amendment. which had the full
support Of Cardenas.
Would Encourage Investments,
In line with AlmaZan's statements,
the ofhcial candidate has said he
wanted to encourage the investment
OF American capital, under full guar
antees, In Mexico, but wanted to
end the exploitation of man by
man." He has also pledged a solu-
tion Of the petroleum seizure contro-
versy founded on justice"
He has declared frequently there
would be no revolution because the
people would not support one, but
he was understood to be preparing
his strategy for crushing an uprising
should one occur.
Almazan and Avila Camacho, to
date, are the only ones conducting
active campaigns.
Sanchez Tapia, who was minister
Of national economy under Car
denas, and Amaro, minister of war
under former President Elias Plu-
tarco Calles-expelled by Cardenas
have confined their campaigns to
occasional manifestos and news
paper statements against the Car
denaS administration.
They are not regarded as serious
factors in the campaign ut present
though the attorney general charged
last week that associates plan to rise
In arms against the government.
Amaro denied the charges and
challenged the attorney general to
prosecute him.
AmAro Is credited with having de-
veloped q modern, well-trained and
disciplined army from the old revo-
lutionAry groups while minister Of
war under Gales.
Clashes Are Frequent.
As the campaigners swing around
the country there are frequent
clashes.
Last Sunday two Of Almaxan's fol-
lowers were killed at q meeting In
Coyoacan, suburb Of Mexico City.
Several attempts have reportedly
been made on the anti-government
candidates. life. His personal aide
L.