Understanding Argentina
HERE, at last, is a book that disperses the fog of misundecstanding that surrounds con- temporary Argentina. George Pendle, the author of Argentina (Royal Institute of Inter- national Affairs, 12s. 6d.), is no passing tourist but a constant visitor to Argentina for the past twenty-five years, and covered the September revolt for the BBC. He shows a love and understanding of Argentina rare among foreigners.
Unlike many North American authors, Mr. Pendle takes no side in the Peron controversy. His sole criterion is—what is best for Argentina? He concludes that, while Per6n has done much wrong, the larger part of his work will endure since it is to the benefit of Argentina and her people. Without a historical background the Peron regime is meaningless, an isolated phenomenon, but this book shows it as a contemporary form of caudillismo and a natural part of Argentine historical develop- ment with its constant battle between town and country, between gaucho and porteilo.
British interests and influences are stressed in this book, including the question of the Falkland Islands, while the copious biblio- graphy contains a section on the fascinating Welsh colony in Patagonia.
This is much more than the 'background' book it sets out to be and is indispensable reading for anyone interested in Argentina. Though geography, history, economics and politics are crammed into 150 pages, the result is a lucid picture of Argentina today with her turbulent past and the promise of a glorious
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