Pezet's Plot

Dr. Jose Pezet brooded. To Dr. Pezet, who initiated ex-President Arnulfo Arias into politics in 1929 and later helped him organize the youth of Panama on Fascist lines, it seemed that he should have become President when Arias was deposed (TIME, Oct. 20, 1941). Was he not the first of three Vice Presidents, and therefore first in line to the succession? But the post was never offered to him. As a matter of fact, when Arias was replaced, Dr. Pezet was in jail.

Never since then--although he resigned his first Vice-Presidency--has Jose Pezet recognized the legality of President Ricardo Adolfo de la Guardia. Some time within recent weeks Dr. Pezet decided to restore constitutional government ' and himself. Four police officers were bought for $10,000 each and three civilians enlisted for the cause. The Palace guard and the police station at Panama City were to be seized.

But when the deadline came last week, Dr. Pezet received a phone call from his chauffeur. The plot had leaked. Police came to take him away. Said he calmly: his revolt was not against the constituted authority, since that authority was himself. Pudgy, earnest Jose Pezet declared that not a drop of blood would have been spilled. He had even provided a nurse to accompany the conspirators to the Presidential Palace, lest Senora de la Guardia faint.

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