On Aug. 22, a quick burst of gunfire in the Trelew naval- air base ended the lives of 16 of the young Argentine revolutionists. Thirteen died immediately; the regime announced that three more died of wounds within two days. The three remaining prisoners still alive on Aug. 24 were reported in serious condition.
This cold-blooded mass execution has produced a wave of protest against the Lanusse regime throughout Argentina.
Universities across Argentina, the major labor federation - The General Confederation of Labor (CGT -Confederación General del Trabajo), and the country's massive Peronist movement (followers of exiled former president Juan Peron) have been involved in the protests.
"The Cordobazo, as the uprising became known, eventually brought down the military government of Lieut. Gen. Juan Carlos Onganía..."
On Aug. 23, a two-hour protest strike was carried out in Co'rdoba by the regional CGT. On Aug. 24, police raided the Co'rdoba CGT headquarters and closed the building. An army statement was issued containing orders for the arrest of all members of the district CGT governing board.
The Co'rdoba workers answered with a general strike. An Aug. 25 Associated Press dispatch from Co'rdoba reported, "This industrial city of nearly a million people was crippled today by a 14-hour general strike protesting the slaying of the 16 guerrillas and supporting a demand for higher wages.
"Banks, business, and schools were closed and public transportation halted. Union leaders who called the strike were in hiding and sought by the police."
September 6, 1947
Harold Russell, handless World War II veteran and star
of the Academy Award motion picture, "The Best Years of Our
Lives," has accepted the national chairmanship of the
defense committee for James Kutcher, legless Newark veteran
who faces dismissal from his $40-a-week Veterans
Administration job because of his membership in the
Socialist Workers Party....
Kutcher, who lost both legs in combat in Italy and has taught himself to walk with artificial limbs and two canes, has challenged the 30-day dismissal notice sent him on Aug. 13.
He is fighting for his right to his government job despite his admitted affiliation with an organization on Truman's and Attorney General Clark's political blacklist.
When informed of the "loyalty" purge action against his former hospital-mate, Mr. Russell immediately offered his services in Kutcher's defense.