Argentines Speculate on Bugging Plot

Argentines, who have been avidly following intrigues swirling around President Carlos Saul Menem, have a new puzzle to mull over: Who planted hidden microphones that were found in the president’s office and his official residence?

Newspapers reported Sunday that microphones have been found in Casa Rosada, the presidential office building. Quoting Menem’s staff, the reports said Menem’s phones also were tapped.

The newspapers Clarin and La Nacion quoted sources as saying that at least seven microphones, each the size of a suit button, were found in the president’s office and his dining room. They said the devices require new batteries every seven days, indicating that the planters have regular access to the sites.

Speculation in the media on the identity of those responsible focused on the nation’s intelligence services, which are facing sharp budget and personnel cutbacks. Juan Bautista Yofre, a political appointee who runs the services, is apparently about to resign in one of several internal disputes in Menem’s government.

Menem’s wife, Zulema, disclosed last week that tiny microphones were found in the presidential home in suburban Olivos.

The microphones apparently had a range of only 200 yards and required a receiver, probably in a nearby vehicle, to pick up the signals, news reports said. They noted that when similar suspicions arose during the previous government of President Raul Alfonsin, there was evidence of involvement by an army intelligence unit.