September 15th, 1937

BUENOS AIRES - General Escudero today unveiled plans for expanding the Argentinian arms industry in the face of growing Brazilian aggression and the worsening worldwide political situation.

"The ingenuity of the Argentinians is displayed well in their arms industry, which, while serving the Junta for many years, has been turned to the liberation of the People," Escudero stated.

To that end, Escudero, in conference with the Argentinian Secretary for Industry, authorized continued production of Modelo 1933 rifles, chambered in 7.65mm Argentinian, as well as the restarting of the production of that cartridge. Both of these activities had been paused since the end of the conflict in Argentina. "We are excited to provide the soldiers of the working class with these arms," one factory worker stated enthusiastically.

Besides continued production of old weaponry, Escudero announced a new program for Pan-Latin acquisition of Argentinian arms. To that end, he annoucned orders for two types of weapons from the Chilean and Peruvian governments:

Ballester-Molina automatic pistol

Escudero announced that the Ballester-Molina, a local adaptation of a Colt design, the Ballester-Molina, chambered in .45 ACP, is to become the standard-issue sidearm of Chile and Peru, as well as being issued to Argentinian troops. Escudero inspected examples of the weapons being produced at newly state-owned Argentinian weapons factories and pronounced himself satisfied at the quality and craftsmanship.

FM C-2, C-4 and Z-4 submachine guns

Escudero also announced that a brand new class of weapons would be adopted by the Chilean army for use by assault units, specialists and vehicle crews: the submachine gun (subametralladora). While submachine guns have been used in conflicts in South America in the past, the C-4 series is the first domestically-designed and produced weapon. Chambered universally in .45 ACP with an option to manufacture in 9x19mm later, the C-4 series provide an important and deadly weapon to Pan-Latin countries. Universally, the C-4 takes a double-feed 40 round magazine and uses an aluminum lower receiver. This magazine, while heavy, "provides the wielder with unparalleled firepower," Escudero noted. He went on to state: "The weapon is self-loading (semi-automatic), rather than fully automatic like other subametralladoras. This prevents wastage of ammunition and creates a more controllable weapon for the average infantryman."

The C-4 comes in three principle variants:

• C-2

The smallest variant, the C-2 is a compact, stock-less "machine pistol" meant for vehicle crews.

• C-4

The C-4 is the standard variant, which comes in a number of variants, including one with a folding metal stock and one with a fixed wooden stock.

• Z-4

The Z-4 possesses a full-length rifle stock, and retains the ability to take a bayonet. "This weapon will be useful for assault troops used to a rifle-type weapon, but possesses much more firepower at close range. We look forward to the possibilities of this weapon," Escudero said while inspecting drawings for the new guns. He noted the gun would also be made available to Argentinian, Peruvian and other Pan-Latin forces.

Programa de Asistencia Armamentista

In addition to locally produced arms, which are to be exported to friendly Pan-Latin countries, the Chilean military governor announced that Chilean arms would, in return, be provided to Argentinian and Peruvian forces.

"(Chile) is in the midst of a large expansion to her armaments industry. It is in our collective interest to provide these new, powerful arms to friendly governments to provide for our common defense," He noted. In particular, plans to produce the FAMAE Modelo 1934 light machine gun, and FAMAE Modelo 3 heavy machine gun in 7.65mm Argentine ammunition were discussed to help modernize the Argentinian armed forces.