Guatemala City's workers and shopkeepers applauded politely, and the hundreds of straw-hat peasants trucked into the capital stood passively. The country's new military strongman was addressing them. On a balcony of the avocado green national palace, Army Colonel Enrique Peralta Azurdia, 54, explained what was in store for the country following his overthrow of President Miguel Ydigoras Fuentes. He began by proclaiming Decree Law No. 1: subject—labor reform. Peralta promised equal pay for both Indians and whites, an eight-hour day and a 48-hour week, paid vacations, maternity leave, the right of...
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