WESTERN HEMISPHERE -- BOLIVIAN DEMONSTRATIONS MOST SERIOUS IN FOURTEEN YEARS

Created: 10/30/1964

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BOLIVIAN DEMONSTRATIONS MOST SERIOUS IN FOURTEEN YEARS

violent antlgovernmeot demonstrations that have erupted in every major city in Bolivia sincectober represent the greatest challenge to political stability in the fourteen-year rule of the NationalistMovement

Both rightist and leftist opposition parties are behind the outbreaks, but they have used their followers in theand secondary schools to spearhead their At tbe outset tbe pri-aary grievance was pressimposed by the governmenttate-of-slegeIssued oneptember. However, the emphasis has switched to protests against theent's repressive measures which have caused several deaths. The government has granted some con-:esslons to the students, the revocation of but enough momentum had already been gathered to turn tbe demonstrations into demands that President Paz relinquish control of the government,

Paz is apparentlyto stand his ground and

put down this challenge to his rule. He is presently relying primarily on the nationalthe peasant militia, and loyal UNR militia units to quell the disorders. In tbe capital, these forces have so far been able to contain tbe Tbe situation incities, particularly in Oruro where, local miners are now in full revolt, is far more serious, however. Fewer police are deployed In theseand the loyalty of local ailitia units is questionable.

Tbe ultimate outcome binges on whether the armed forces will remain loyal to Pas. At the moment, the military does not seem inclined to shiftalthough there arethat some low-rankingareoup.

Vice President Barrlentos is maintaining an ambiguous position. If he came out strongly for Paz. thewould probably be eased somewhat. His continued however, will encour-ige efforts to overthrow the government *

Oct 64

INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY SUMMARY

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