BOLIVIA: STATUS OF SUCCESSION

Created: 7/16/1981

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

.

-1

BOLIVIAi Status of

The Junta of commanders probably will ratify General Garcia Mesa's continuation in power when it meets today or tomorrow. Following two military insurrections against him in May, Garcia Meza called on his colleagues to name his replacement byuly, but the dearth of available generals and the competing ambitions of senior officers have prevented agreementeplacement. The general is bribing key unit commanders to keep their support.

Garcia Meza still has to cope with mountingin the military, especially in garrisonsPaz. The regimental commanders in LabaseMesa'snot personally loyal tothey would quickly switch sides if anotherwidespread support or if Garcia Meza'ato

1

pproved for Selaasa