File No. 763.72115/3280

The Acting Secretary of State to the Argentine Chargé ( Quintana)

My Dear Mr. Chargé: Referring to the several communications from your Embassy1 with regard to the case of Alberto Fehlandt. an Argentine citizen of German nativity, who has complained to the Embassy regarding annoyances alleged to have been occasioned him by the Federal authorities, I beg to advise you that this matter has been brought to the attention of the Department of Justice.

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Since Mr. Fehlandt was born a subject of a country with which the United States is now at war, it is not unnatural that he should entertain, as between the United States and Germany, sympathetic sentiments for the country of his birth and that therefore he should be subject to the presumption that his attitude might be inimicable to the United States now the enemy of his native country. When viewed in this light I am sure that you will agree with me that this Government must, in the interest of the public safety, recognize these natural inclinations and act upon the presumptions to be drawn therefrom, at least to the extent of regarding such aliens, although of neutral nationality in law, with circumspection. Such I am now advised has been the course of the Department of Justice, but I am confident that Mr. Fehlandt will not have any cause for further complaint and will not be occasioned any serious inconveniences so long as he observes the laws of the United States.

I am [etc.]

Frank L. Polk
  1. Not printed.