A Little Bit of Everything – Folha de S. Paulo, August 22, 1971
by Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira
Given the variety of topics that are calling for comment, I am adopting a different form of presentation today.
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All suspicions about the communists’ motives behind the “breaking down of ideological barriers” were sharply emphasized by an incident right after the Lanusse-Allende meeting in Salta.
After the meeting, Chilean Foreign Minister Clodomiro Almeyda promptly traveled to Cuba to participate in celebrations honoring the victory of the Castro revolution. On that occasion, the Chilean and Cuban governments signed a joint statement reaffirming the deeply ideological foundation of the international policies they plan to develop together.
In this document:
1) Both governments promise mutual support in the “common struggle against imperialism and for the construction of socialism.”
2) The Chilean government pledges support for “the efforts to achieve the goals of the Cuban revolution.” And the Cuban government shows “great appreciation for the Chilean revolutionary process.”
3) The Chilean government stresses the urgent need to end Cuba’s isolation within the Inter-American system.
4) The governments of Santiago and Havana emphasize their shared views on Communist China’s rights in the UN and the withdrawal of American forces from Vietnam.
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If these policies are not fundamentally ideological, then it must be said that the words ‘politics’ and ‘ideology’ have lost their meaning.
Strictly speaking, this fact must have caused the distinguished Argentine president deep disappointment. It may also have opened his eyes to the patriotism and clarity of the letter (which I published in the previous article) that the sister country’s TFP sent to His Excellency.
In this regard, I have some disappointing news to share with the reader. Last Sunday, I published the beautiful letter sent by Mr. Velasco Ibarra, president of Ecuador, to the Committee of Young Ecuadorians for Christian Civilization. I promised then to inform my readers about the response that Lanusse sent to the TFP in Argentina, a land of grace, elegance, and beautiful gestures. I had every right to expect a noteworthy response from Lieutenant General Lanusse as well. On the contrary, the Casa Rosada sent only this polite, banal, evasive, and empty message, signed by Captain (R.E.) Cristián R. Belaustegui, private secretary to the President: “I am pleased to write to you to acknowledge receipt of the note addressed to His Excellency the Nation’s President. Without further ado, I take this opportunity to express my highest regards.”
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It should also be remembered that Fidel Castro took advantage of the Cuban revolution’s anniversary celebrations — during which he admitted to another major economic failure — to praise the progress of the revolution in Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and Uruguay, and to share his hopes for a future victory of communism, especially in Uruguay.
As seen, Allende’s great comrade’s atheistic “crusade” continues with the same intensity.
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It is unfortunate that Senator James W. Fulbright has proposed to President Nixon to recognize Castro’s regime and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba.
Since the bearded dictator actively promotes the spread of communist ideology, the senator’s policy of indifference to ideology can only encourage communist plans.
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Are those who tear down ideological barriers really as a-ideological as they claim?
In this context, I am glad to quote the words of the notable German economist Ludwig W. Erhard. A friend of mine found them cited in an article by Mr. Vandick L. da Nóbrega in O Globo on April 8, 1969: “Those who think that a high standard of living is the best and only defense against communism are mistaken. Those who believe only in material values are closer to communist doctrine than they imagine or would like to be.”
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The Spanish government effectively barred members of a choir and ballet company from communist Russia from entering the country. These artists, who had a contract to perform in Pamplona on the 25th, signed in Paris, were found to be connected to the Soviet army by Spanish authorities.
The reasons behind this secret infiltration of Russian military personnel into Spain are clear. This example, relevant for all countries, demonstrates how prone communists are to using artistic, cultural, technical, or other missions for espionage or propaganda purposes.
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I believe that the draft bill punishing farmers who grow plants from which narcotic substances can be extracted, with the confiscation of their land, is worth supporting.
This isn’t an attack on private property, but rather a fair penalty for owners who misuse their rights in ways that harm morality and the common good.
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I fully support the decision by those in charge of St. Peter’s Basilica to assign a nun there to stop people wearing shorts or miniskirts from entering.
Abuses in this area must have become serious, since the good nun fell ill from overwork.
However, as much as I support the measure, I am left confused and request that someone clarify it. If wearing shorts and miniskirts is inappropriate for St. Peter’s Basilica, it is equally inappropriate for all churches and even the simplest chapels worldwide, for the same reasons.
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The TFP sent Rep. José Bonifácio, Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Constitution and Justice Committee, a telegram regarding a bill that mandates premarital testing.
“The Brazilian Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property expresses its deep concern to Your Excellency over the fact that your Committee has approved a proposed bill by Representative Alfeu Gasparini (ARENA-SP) establishing mandatory premarital examinations nationwide. This measure is an attack on Christian morality and Brazilian tradition, and it will severely harm the institution of the family, the sacred foundation of nationality.”
In response, Representative José Bonifácio told us that the Commission had declared the bill constitutional but had rejected it based on its merits. The TFP then sent His Excellency a telegram congratulating him and the Committee.
