NICARAGUA: Tacho & the Election

In his trophy-littered office in the hills above Managua, jowly little Anastasio ("Tacho") Somoza, since 1937 Dictator-President of Nicaragua, smiled a crooked smile. "I understand the opposition is boasting of its Red Cross arrangements for election day and after. If they plan to test me, I advise them to have plenty of Red Crosses." Armed with wisecracks and 5,000 loyal, U.S. Marine-trained soldiers of the Guardia, Tacho was ready for anything.

In his high, lace-hung bed, sick, old (78) Opposition Leader General Emiliano Chamorro glared as fiercely as in the fervid days when he piled up a record of 16...

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