862.20210/2066: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Armour) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8 p.m.]
2376. Our 2356, November 23, 10 p.m. Minister Interior has loaned Embassy copy Napp’s confession to local police. Provincial police have given us verbal résumé Napp’s confession to them.
They differ only in minor items. They will be forwarded as soon as photographed and translated. Minister stated today that due Napp’s practically complete confession Martin Schneider has begun to confess and has implicated other agents, and that police are now searching for them.
Minister also said Federal Judge would be allowed to decide method of prosecuting those guilty. He stated they would be deported or interned at the least.
Since Napp’s confession authorities appear to be cooperating more closely with Embassy as well as taking more active interest in matter. It appears we have benefitted by withholding publication of memoranda and therefore influencing Argentines to act through threat of publication. At least we have obtained copies of all pertinent police reports which might not have been obtainable otherwise.
Press has given considerable space to Napp’s confession details of which have leaked out gradually, and some papers are clamoring for Niebuhrs and other German diplomat’s head.