World Notes HAITI

When Leslie Manigat emerged as the victor in Haiti's presidential elections last January, it was assumed that the former political exile would act as a puppet for the outgoing military junta led by Lieut. General Henri Namphy. But last week it was the puppet who pulled the strings. In a communique read over Haitian television and radio, Manigat dismissed Namphy as Commander in Chief of the army for "insubordination" and fired two other generals on Namphy's staff.

The power struggle broke into the open when Manigat rescinded an order by Namphy to transfer and retire several top-ranking officers loyal to the government. After Namphy defied the repeal, Manigat moved against him, but the President may have to pull a few more strings before he can prove that he is in full control.