Evening star., 1946-09-22
Paraguay Turns
To Democracy
Bv Laurence r. ,Sfuufx

ASUNCION, Paraguay.-The end of
the war in Europe is having a delayed
effect here, but apparently it is putting
this land-locked South American coun-
try on the road to democratic govern
ment
Paraguay still has considerable dis
tance to go on this road. But elimina-
tion of the ban on political activity
points the way the wind is blowing, and
lifting of the press censorship permits
the story to be reported from inside the
country.
Civilian political parties now may
function for the first time in six years.
There are rumors that congressional
elections will be called soon and there
may even be an opposition candidate in
next years presidential election.
1t took more than year, but the fall
of Germany finally made itself felt
here. The German defeat discouraged
Paraguayan elements which thought
Nazi-type government was a good thing.
Nazi sympathizers tried desperately to
change the outward appearance of their
plan. They formed new party with a
civilian, Agustin Avila, as it's ostensible
head. This group, which included some
army officers, had enough influence to
force President Higinio Morinigo to
name Avilia as Finance Minister.
This maneuver caused a reaction of
the democratic group, which also in
cluded some army officers. The Avila
group, with Col. Victoriano Benitez
Vera as its instrument. attempted to
seize the government June 8, but NORM
igo threw in his lot with the democrats
and the revolt was put down. Benitez
Vera, Avila and several others were
exiled
Will Protect Rights.
Shortly afterward the Defense Min
lister, in a communique, promised the
army would withdraw from politics. He
said civil rights would be restored to
civilians and that the army would de-
fend democratics processes, if necessary
The two main parties now active are
the Colorados and the February Revo-
lutionary Center. the latter named for
the February, 1910, revolution which put
Morinigo in power. The old Liberal
party, dissolved by Morinigo in 1912,
also is showing signs of life. Dr. Juan
Francisco Recalde, one of the directors
Of the old party. has issued call to ex-
members to organize and prepare to
take part in national elections. The
Communists also have been allowed to
publish plea for legalization.
These parties are in general accord
on a our-point platform for:
Press liberty (already achieved.
Abolition of the political truce"
which banned party activity (already
achieved.
General amnesty for all political pris-
oners and exiles (already achieved.
Convocation of general assembly to
draft new constitution.
Plan Is Approved.
The government has indicated ap-
proval OF the plan for new constitu-
ton and has announced it will study a
plan for new election law Govern
ment officials already have talked pri-
vately with Colorado and Revolutionary
Center leaders about the plan
These conversations gave rise to
rumors that new government might
be formed with representatives of
these parties which would have the task
of re-establishing democratic practices.
Ell Paraguayo the semiof1icial govern
ment newspaper, recently asked all
"revolutionaries" to join forces in sup
port of such government
The road to full democratic govern
ment still is not completely open. One
stumbling block is the accumulation of
political hatreds built up in IA years OF
violence.
distributed BY the Associated Press)