Buenos Aires' plush, proper Plaza Hotel was overrun by the multitude. Its plush was ruffled, its hush profaned by thousands of eager Argentines who stormed its glass-and-wrought-iron doors, jammed its dining rooms and lobby, crowded the street outside. They had come to applaud an unusual spectacle: a U.S. Ambassador conducting what amounted to a political rally against the Government of Strong Man Juan Domingo PerĂ³n.
When Ambassador Spruille Braden took his seat at the banquet table, a wild ovation echoed through the building. During his speech the audience cheered, jumped up, waved handkerchiefs. Women cheer leaders pranced on tables. Probably no...