Coup Attempt
Junta leader General Garcia Meza's hold on power remains tenuous despite hir apparent success inoup attempt on Saturday. Garcia Meza has retained the backing of key military units in the capital and has arrested and exiled the principal coup leaders, butArmy divisions in the interior are continuing to demand his ouster.
The coup attempt was led by former Army commander General Cayoja and former Army chief of staff General Anez but evidently failed to gain the support of the important regiments based in La Paz. Cayoja and Anez were both considered prime candidates to succeed Garcia Mesa and reportedly acted to prevent him from*making changes in the high command that would have hurt their chances to replace him. They also may have been reacting to the General's recent efforts to retain power deapieoo leave officeugust.
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Sj Approved for Release
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