862.20210/2017: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Armour) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:09 p.m.]
2189. Embassy’s 2182, November 5, 3 p.m. Police have arrested Martin Schneider, Osvaldo Hirner, Victor Amil Caritestoni, Otto Hein and Egon Bunze. Homes of Schneider, Hans Napp, Ricardo Hoffmann, Martin Schwartz, José Mella Alfageme and Compañía Din, have been searched. No results except with Schneider and Hoffmann. Many documents found in possession of former, including voluminous material on ship arrivals and departures, cargoes, armament et cetera. Additional documents written in German now being translated. Documents in possession of Hoffmann look suspicious but police say they must be translated first.
Schneider claims documents found in his possession not his, but entrusted to his safekeeping by a friend named William Hans. Claims not to know where Hans lives. Minister of Interior says obvious Schneider is lying and that he intends to hold him under arrest for “few more days” and to try to “squeeze” him into confession. José Mella is not in Buenos Aires at present. Is in Córdoba on vacation. Documents in possession Schwartz prove relationship with Napp.
In addition telephones Ludwig Buchwald, Rodolfo Hepe, von Schulz-Hausmann and Rolf Edmund Stickforth have been tapped by police. Post office boxes nos. 1081 and 386 have also been covered. Minister Interior stated he will order immediate arrest of Ottomar Müller, Hans Napp, Walter Freiwald, Georg Hohenstein and Hermann Bauer.
It is thought that publication in Montevideo of memo on espionage in Chile and published announcement that similar report may be forthcoming regarding Argentina may have given local agents warning to do away with incriminating evidence.