Unveiling

For months Juan Peron's secretary, Spanish-born Jose Figuerola, had toiled in secret over the President's proposals for revising the battered Argentine constitution of 1853. Even the staunchest Peronistas had no inkling of the changes due.

Last week Strongman Peron unveiled his secretary's handiwork. At a caucus of Peronista delegates in suburban Olivos, he explained his proposals for a solid 2 1/2 hours. From a backdrop, San Martin the Liberator looked out upon the assembly; the shield of Argentina balanced his blown-up portrait. Only once did Peron break off: to introduce la Senora and her grey poodle, Negrita, to the delegates. When the Peron speech was over, most Argentines, well aware that the revisions would be steamrollered through next week's constitutional convention, wondered what all the fuss had been about.

Once Over Lightly. The old constitution had been lightly edited rather than rewritten. The most far-reaching amendment was a new section giving the President the right to declare states of "emergency" and "alarm" without congressional approval (TIME, Aug. 23).

The only big surprise came when Peron reached Article 20, in which he introduced a brand-new concept of nationality. Foreigners who had lived in Argentina for two years, said the proposed new clause, must apply for citizenship or get out.

Peron justified the move as a means of assimilating foreigners into the national life, and of helping to stop the drain on foreign exchange. But to Argentina's large (40,000) and tweedy British colony, and to its small, compact contingent of North American businessmen, the proposal was an unmistakable slap./-

This Way Out. Peron really started talking when he came to the article forbidding Argentine Presidents to succeed themselves. "Gentlemen," he said, "against my will the Party has decided to substitute . . . for the words 'and can be re-elected only after an interval of one term,' the words 'and can be re-elected.' Undoubtedly, gentlemen, from the standpoint of constitutional doctrine, this is the way the article should read . . ." Then, to shouts of "We want Peron!" he declared: "Not only am I not going to accept a second term, but I don't believe that my health would allow it."

Just in case his health should improve before 1952, President Peron gave himself a careful out. "I will remain in the government," said he, "as long as I can serve the Republic."

/-At week's end, Argentine embassies abroad were busy explaining that the provision would not affect foreigners now living in Argentina.

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