Rise of the Argentine Empire

Saint Hesser and General Thompson continued to discuss matters concerning the military. In recent months, Peron had been trying to firmly control the military by promoting and suppressing old colleagues, but his ruling base had begun to disintegrate.

"This is normal. Argentina hasn't had any wars, which means no matter which officer takes charge, they can't accumulate prestige, especially in peacetime."

After Thompson said this, he took a cigar from the table. Saint Hesser picked up a cedar chip, lit it with a match, and handed it to Thompson. After lighting it, the two continued to chat idly, eventually discussing the Radical Party.

"Oh? You must have considered joining the Radical Party back then. Now, many of the Radical Party's branches have been dismantled, dissolved, or taken over by Peron. The funny thing is, that only bought him a few months. Now those workers and his supporters are rioting again."

Saint Hesser felt around in his pocket, took out a pack of cigarettes, pulled one out, and lit it, squinting his eyes. He had also been paying attention to the internal situation of the Radical Party recently.

The situation for his former propaganda department subordinates wasn't good either. After all, the Radical Party wasn't what it used to be, and many had left, but there were still quite a few remaining, especially since the capital was their stronghold. However, the organizations in other regions had been severely damaged.

"Yes, it was quite serious back then. Basically, all the major government halls were replaced by the Justicialist Party. Smaller cities were a bit better."

At the beginning of the year, Peron controlled all the provincial government halls in Argentina, reaching the peak of his power.

By April, due to internal opposition, Peron wanted to divert everyone's attention, so he launched a surprise attack, sealing up the offices of the Radical Party and the Socialist Party, leading to a profound crisis for these two major opposition parties, which they are only now slowly recovering from.

In fact, the initial effect was quite good, but later it didn't work anymore. After all, playing the same trick once is fine, but playing it twice makes people think you're stupid.

"This year, the Radical Party has also organized several meetings and re-established its organization, but the signs of internal division are becoming more and more obvious. However, it's much better than the Socialist Party. Many people in the Socialist Party have been arrested."

Saint Hesser shifted his body, sitting in a more comfortable position, and said.

"Haha, he sent people to seal up the horse racing club back then, which infuriated quite a few people."

Thompson simply half-reclined on the sofa. In fact, he wasn't having a great time in the Ministry of Defense either. After all, everyone in the Ministry of Defense was similar to him. Peron didn't trust him very much, and he wasn't informed about the events in Cordoba, where a new group of leaders had been selected.

"Commander, do you have contact with other military units, such as the Capital Garrison or the Police Department?"

"Not much. Peron is like a mad dog now, attacking anyone he sees. It's not easy for me either."

"In that case, I have definite information that Cordoba is planning an armed uprising. In a more serious scenario, they plan to overthrow Peron by force."

Saint Hesser didn't shy away from the fact that he had an intelligence system. If Thompson could contribute to the events in Cordoba, show some tough measures and attitudes, and promote it through public opinion, even if he didn't become president, becoming a leader in the military wouldn't be a problem. He already had a foundation, and according to what he knew, after the revolt in Cordoba succeeded, there weren't many military leaders with the ability to take over. When Thompson took over again, it would be easy.

"The specific situation isn't very clear, but the navy will definitely come forward, or at least they are preparing for it."

Saint Hesser continued.

"Is that so? With the strength of the Cordoba army, it will be difficult to succeed."

To be honest, Thompson had heard about this, but with the level of the Cordoba military, success wasn't guaranteed. He thought those people were daydreaming. What kind of environment is this? Is this the time to rebel?

"I think the chances of success are very high, Commander. Don't be deceived by the surface situation. Moreover, being the first bird to be shot isn't a good thing. Getting a ticket to the game is the most important thing."

To be honest, rebellion requires the right timing, location, and people. The situation in Argentina is not that complicated. There are only a few local armies with strength, and Argentina can't really fight a civil war.

The main reason is that Cordoba succeeded in the later generations. The ones near the capital basically didn't have much strength or were Peron's people. The Rosario army was the same, controlled by the Ministry of Defense. Cordoba was different. The other cities were too small to be on the stage. Cordoba also had the air force, and those air force pilots were all rich and handsome.

"That's right, it's not just about strength to succeed. It's about making a name for yourself. Although they don't have much strength, it doesn't matter if no one else is doing it, and the military won't be in power for long, but that doesn't mean the military can't sit in that position. They've done it before, haven't they?"

Military dictatorship, Peron may or may not be considered one, but the ones before Peron were indeed military governments. When the civilian government couldn't resist the labor movement, the military had something to do.

He remembered that the Cordoba gang was replaced a few days after they came to power, and then there were normal elections again, until the next time they were overthrown, which was the real military government. But the people in the Ministry of Defense...

Sitting tight and fishing, even being a powerful minister, the Minister of the Army, would be fine. At least there would be power and influence. Thompson could do it too. The army in Argentina doesn't need too much ability, it doesn't need to fight anyone, just needs someone with hands. He can do it for Saint Hesser, he can really do it.

"Is that so? Then I'll do some preparatory work."

Thompson was a little moved by what Saint Hesser said, and became a little serious. He originally felt that he couldn't stand out and might be removed at any time, so he became a bit of apathetic. If he could go further, maybe he could become a general or something, which wouldn't be in vain for being in the army for so many years.

"Then let's do it, maybe we can make something happen."

Thompson also made up his mind. Since there was an opportunity, he would definitely seize it.

"Okay, if Commander takes action, I will definitely help with all my strength. At least I have people all over the country who can provide stable intelligence. I will have people send it to Commander regularly."

"Good, I didn't misjudge you back then."

Thompson was excited and stood up, giving Saint Hesser a bear hug.

The two continued to discuss some details, including helping the San Martin Aircraft Factory, the framework of cooperation, and next, Saint Hesser would provide some important cooperation lists, providing Commander Thompson with a large amount of activity funds through several shell companies, as well as personal security protection, for fear of being shot in the back.

The last important thing was the military academies, including the National Defense Academy and the San Martin Military Academy. Many good seedlings inside should also be carefully cultivated. At this time, the newly established New Youth League could provide a lot of information to help.

Saint Hesser once planned to do something in the military, but unfortunately his foundation was unstable, but he would not give up any opportunity to expand his strength. This time, he planned to go to Puerto Blanca to meet the people from the Navy Department, after all, Puerto Blanca, as a naval base, also had military personnel.

"General, if necessary, the city of Maria will restrain the Cordoba army. The police department and city guard of Maria will also continue to expand. The current mayor of Maria is a member of our organization."

Rhein Metall is not following the surface production plan. In addition to international exports, Saint Hesser has also secretly hoarded a lot of weapons and equipment, which may be useful in the future.

Regardless of whether it is from the map or from other perspectives, Maria, having developed to its current state, can completely become the biggest obstacle to Cordoba's army advancing east and south when necessary. There is a railway here that can be directly blocked, and eastward, it can directly advance to Rosario.

Rosario is the most important blocking city at the mouth of the La Plata River, and can directly intercept the Cordoba army. This is one of his ideas. The combat effectiveness of the security team and militia team cannot be relied on too much. Of course, the Cordoba army should not have too much hope either. Saint Hesser saw it when he was in the city guard, it was quite poor.

If one day it really comes to that point, it is estimated that it will really be a time for war and civil war. Argentina's land is flat, which is indeed very suitable for large-scale tank assault warfare.

"I see. Cohen, your view is very long-term. The city of Maria is good and can indeed form a deterrent to Cordoba."

"I also chose it randomly, and I have invested a lot of things here."

Maria is indeed very important. The San Martin Aircraft Factory has been completely moved there. Tank leads the new San Martin Aircraft Design Bureau, continuing to design improvements to the "Arrow-II" fighter jet. As long as Thompson can go further, he will be able to get orders from the Argentine Air Force, and he will be able to make a profit.

Internationally, the Netherlands and Egypt have also expressed strong interest in this fighter jet. Now the follow-up funding for the "Arrow-II" fighter jet has not been interrupted as in the original history. Saint Hesser promised to provide sufficient funds to continue to improve this aircraft, solving the problem of the funding chain being broken.

Saint Hesser does not expect the Air Force to complete the original procurement plan of 100 aircraft. As long as it is guaranteed that Argentine aviation design talents do not flow out, then it can wait until the day when this fighter jet is completed.

As long as the "Arrow-II" aircraft project can survive, the San Martin Aircraft Factory can continue to survive, and Argentina's aviation industry will definitely be preserved. This is Argentina's only high-tech industry. The previous few flight experiments were mostly due to material problems, and also because the manufacturing process was not up to standard. It is also time to upgrade various equipment.

Moreover, the material problem of the aircraft project must be solved as soon as possible. After the funds are not lacking, it can be tossed slowly, as long as the design bureau is supported first.

"By the way, if Europe can't get the materials and the steel factory won't do it, then can't we get some from the United States? The United States is very developed in materials science. Wouldn't it be possible to directly establish a materials laboratory? As for processing, it would be better to go directly to Germany. Germany's machine tool strength is one of the best in the world. Get some more advanced machine tools."

Saint Hesser continued to think about the affairs of the aircraft factory, and realized that he was too focused on independent research and development, and did not know how to use the wisdom of international talents.

"I think the material problem can be solved directly with Enco Electric. Chicago has a very developed automobile material steel factory. It is completely feasible to set up a material laboratory, acquire and organize talents, and then pass it on to the country after it is done. However, we must be careful and cautious and not let the CIA stare at us."

"That seems very possible."

Saint Hesser continued to think about the advantages and disadvantages of aircraft design in his mind, and almost laughed out loud. Maybe this is the blind spot under the lamp. Thompson looked at Saint Hesser's silly smile, and didn't know why, only thinking that Saint Hesser was too happy.

As long as the final strength of the Arrow III can be compared with the British "Meteor" fighter, even if it is a little worse, then the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Finance are likely to purchase domestically produced fighters next year. The Ministry of National Defense plans to replace the aircraft next year, which is the last bit of time.

"Perhaps, it is time to contact Canada. Canada's aviation talent reserves are very amazing. It is now among the top few in the world, but the Americans' influence on Canada is getting bigger and bigger, and the Canadian aviation industry will be hit hard. When that time comes, it will be time to grab people."

Saint Hesser continued to think in his heart that the Americans strangled Canada's aviation industry, and when that time comes, he would just grab people. The Canadian aviation industry was finally half-dead, which was also thanks to the Americans. This was Saint Hesser's opportunity.

……

After coming out of General Thompson's house, Saint Hesser directly stubbed out his cigarette.

He planned to go to the Radical Party headquarters again. Currently, among the external cooperation aspects, General Thompson and the Radical Party are the forces he values ​​most. One represents the military and the other represents the largest opposition party.

Others like Professor Plukins and the Import and Export Trade Association cannot quickly expand their strength in a short period of time, and they cannot be used too much. The Import and Export Trade Association can only be said to be a loose interest group.

General Thompson is actually full of potential. There are not many military officers who are particularly capable. General Thompson is already considered relatively good, but he lacks an opportunity and a platform. Saint Hesser saw huge benefits and opportunities in it.

Looking at the somewhat defeated Radical Party headquarters building, he had a feeling that things were different. He walked straight in, and even the security guard didn't react. Now the security guard has gray hair, and is probably still presbyopic.

I still remember when I first came to the Radical Party for an interview, the decoration was very high-end, and there were many staff members. The security guard was tall and mighty, and only in his twenties. Now it is very different.

Entering the building, there was a cold feeling. Saint Hesser walked and looked around. Many of the building's offices and office buildings were empty. Occasionally someone passed by and asked Saint Hesser what he was doing. After answering, they took him back upstairs.

Saint Hesser saw the haggard-looking Arturo, the number one person in the Radical Party. His hair looked a little gray, and his spirit was not as good as before.

"Mr. Arturo, I am here this time to report on my work, regarding some issues in Puerto Blanca."