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Peron's role in all this would be to lend his physical presence to the deal presumably to make speeches and convince the rank and file that he is 100% behind the integration and that the Illia government should be supported. Once the Peronistas are back in circulation, Peron would probably "retire," and his mantle would fall to Vandor. Whether Peron is permitted to return depends on President Illia, whose ineffectual minority government could certainly use some support—and on the Argentine military men, who have long been violently anti-Peron.
Last week rumors flooded Buenos Aires that the government was seriously considering a deal with Peron. President Illia himself lent credence to the story with a statement that "Peron's return is up to Peron." As for the military, at least one retired general has already made a survey of key Argentine brass. He found reaction surprisingly favorable. Fortnight ago, an Argentine colonel and two lieutenant colonels, traveling under false names, turned up for secret talks at Peron's villa on the outskirts of Madrid. El Eider's man Vandor has no doubts. "Peron will return this year," he says.