862.20210/2089: Telegram

The Ambassador in Argentina (Armour) to the Secretary of State

2480. Our 2469, December 5th, 2 p.m.95 Yesterday Minister Interior returned from vacation. He was in very cooperative mood and gave impression anxious continue investigation espionage activities and take vigorous measures against those involved. Federal Attorney Gachepiran has caused very favorable impression. He is young and without professional reputation and appears anxious to use this opportunity to make a name for himself.

Minister Interior said the six spies who have already confessed will certainly receive prison sentences and when asked about the others named in our memoranda but who had not confessed he stated categorically he would expel all of those against whom there was reasonable evidence. He explained that by this he meant that the evidence should be sufficient only to satisfy his own conscience. He said there was no question regarding the expulsion of those so highly involved as von Schulz Hausmann. He stated he could not predict what action the Supreme Court would take regarding the German diplomats but that in any case he would recommend to Foreign Office to declare them persona non grata. As a consequence we are gathering data for Minister’s confidential information which was not included in our memoranda and otherwise cooperating closely. This would include items such as those mentioned in Department’s 844, June 11, 3 p.m. and 890, June 17, 6 p.m.96 It appears we are at last beginning to obtain to a certain degree the kind of cooperation we have wanted on this particular subject and it is felt we should postpone publication our memoranda at least until Minister has had ample opportunity to make decision regarding those who have not confessed.

Armour
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