Death and Neutrality

In Argentina the United Nations lost a friend this week and "prudently neutral" President Ramon S. Castillo an enemy. Death took big, two-fisted General Agustin Justo, 66, ex-President and outstanding candidate for reelection in November. The cause: cerebral hemorrhage.

Like the death six months ago of President Roberto M. Ortiz, General Justo's passing from the Argentine political scene had international importance. Ex-President Justo came back from retirement last year to lead the forces opposing President Castillo's Axis-oriented neutrality. He gave his pledge that on the day he was installed in office he would declare war on the Axis.

His anti-Axis stand was probably motivated by the conviction that with the United Nations lay his country's destiny and his own opportunity for a comeback. For General Justo was a proud Argentine who loved his country well. During the presidential term (1932-38) he had proved himself a tough dictator, but one who was wise enough to see that if he were to bring his nation a voice in international affairs he must bring it out from isolationism. To this end he took an active part in League of Nations affairs, embraced the Good Neighbor policy, tightened Argentine bonds with Brazil.

Like his 20-year-long political career, his personal life was full of dash and fire. He once resigned from a War Minister's post to fight a duel, then took office once more the next day. In 1934 he wanted to sue the U.S. for "besmirching Argentines' reputation" in the course of a U.S. Senate investigation. When Brazil declared war on the Axis he asked for--and got--a commission as general in the Brazilian Army.

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