[The dismissal of Lopez Rega, the reactionary power…]

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The dismissal of Lopez Rega, the reactionary power behind the scenes of Argentinian President Mrs Isabel Peron, did nothing to stem the political and economic crisis there.

Lopez Rega's removal represented no fundamental concession by the government, though he went following a 48 hour general strike, reluctantly backed by the Trade Union leaders, against government attempts to freeze wage rises below inflation and enforce an 'incomes policy'.

Anti-Communist Lopez Rega himself was heavily compromised with extreme rightwing and anti-communist elements Immediately after his fall, Mrs Peror faced demands for a 'thoroughgoing enquiry' into his association with the Argentinian Anticommunist Alliance (AAA), an ultra-right terrorist organisation which has carried out hundreds of murders of left-wingers and liberals in the last few years.

Last week Lopez Rega himself was reported to be making hurried preparations for an extended 'vacation' in Europe.

Yet the government reshuffle which followed the general strike left most of the key cabinet posts intact - in particular that of Economy Minister Celestino Rodrigo, whose dismissal had been widely demanded along with that of Lopez Rega.

And though considerable money wage increases were conceded under pressure of the general strike, these are being eaten away almost before they have been paid. Among the price increases announced last week were a doubling in the cost of many goods, including the government-controlled tobacco, postal and teleIsabel Peron with Rega phone services.

Some prices have in fact trebled in the last month, and even the largest wage increases conceded - of 130% - scarcely enable workers to keep up with the cost of living.

Official sources also forecast a further devaluation of the Argenpoliticians for the "sense 01 responsibility" shown by the Stalinist leaders.

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