The world was at ease after the ongoing threat of communism, and the United States was under pressure for the survival of democracy. Their desperation led to alternative ways of combating leftist movements without combat or war efforts. Military dictatorships were placed throughout Latin America. Dictatorships were often allied with one another and were tolerated by the United States due to them being the lesser evil as they prevented the spread of communism. Argentina’s dictatorial militant leader, Jorge Rafael Videla, abused his power over the nation and threatened anyone against his rule. Operation Condor was the kidnapping, abuse, torture, and killing of socialists and communists, which the United States backed. Members of the junta, such as the police patrol, controlled how to resolve the ongoing revolts against the dictatorship. The primary source details the assassination of thirty leftist organization members in Fatima, Buenos Aires covered up by the police patrol. The government used the excuse of terrorism to kill anyone against the revolt, including children and religious leaders. Waiting for the anticipated World Cup to arrive in Argentina, dictator Videla wanted to keep the issues discreet for the tournament’s success. The United States maintained relations with the nation as conversions of Henry Kissinger, U.S secretary of state, and Foreign Minister Admiral Cesar Guzzetti were recorded.
An international soccer tournament is held every four years, known as the World Cup, one of the biggest sporting events. Argentina wanted to make a good impression and avoid any scandals that could arise before the anticipated event. Videla wanted to create an atmosphere of positivity for any visitors. Unfortunately, this continued the reign of terror against leftist organizations before the games. It was reported that on August 20th, 1976, the police patrol had murdered thirty people from a supposed leftist group. The police then displayed the thirty bodies as a threat to the Peoples Revolutionary Army and the Montoneros due to suspected coordinated attacks. The Fatima Massacre was brought to the attention of Videla, who was angered not that the people were murdered but that they were publically displayed, portraying a devious reputation to Argentina. The murder of different civilians was excused as Argentina used the ongoing argument that these were terrorist groups whose goal was to overthrow the government and give rise to communism. The Argentina government desired to prevent as much controversy from surfacing in the media, and the discreet murders could continue without anyone stopping them.
The United States was aware of the persecution and did not interfere because it benefited democracy. The conversation between Henry Kissinger and Cesar Guzzetti exposes the United States for knowledge of the different operations occurring in Argentina. The two start the discussion about the upcoming World Cup and how Kissinger believes that Argentina will win the World Cup, but if they manage to lose and the Argentinan government can control the crowd, then they have successfully stated that they have resolved the security problem (Dawson 246). The instability of people after a significant sporting event can become reckless, a rebellion of its own that occasionally needs the police or even military to be involved. Kissinger implies that if the Argentinian government has managed to resolve this issue, it will no longer have to fear the magnitude of other rebellions, including socialist and communist revolts. Kissinger is aware of the rebolts and supports their authority enforcement, claiming that the United States could provide financial help (Dawson 247). Kissinger is also aware of the atrocities being committed but still ignores how many lives are being lost because he claims it is best for democracy.
Works Cited
Dawson, A. (2022). Latin America since Independence: A History with Primary Sources (3rd ed.). Routledge. https://doi-org.remote.baruch.cuny.edu/10.4324/9781003146094