701.6234/52: Telegram

The Ambassador in Paraguay ( Frost ) to the Secretary of State

141. After conversations between son of landlord of the German Legation property and Assistant Naval Attaché16 regarding rumors of clandestine radio transmitter and other activities in German Legation, in course of which both individuals expressed desire to enter and verify activities, the former, a Paraguayan citizen, asked a high ranking official of the Ministry of Interior17 to request that Spanish Legation admit the United States Legal Attaché,18 the United States Assistant Naval Attaché and the Ministry of the Interior official to the premises. As Legation is under protection of Spain and as [Page 676] Spanish Minister19 was absent the elderly merchant Vice Consul20 temporarily in charge of affairs of Legation was told directly that he [was?] to accompany and open edifice for party. He did not feel like protesting and accordingly complied. Parenthetically nothing suspicious was found except few copies German-Argentine propaganda “hechos.”

Above action was taken without consulting Naval Attaché21 or while Ministry of the Interior official did not consult his Minister, or Foreign Office. Case was clearly one of zeal by all the young men concerned none of whom has any considerable experience abroad. As entry seemed to constitute grave infraction of rights of Spain as protecting power and might be used by Germany to justify reprisals in kind, I called on Spanish Vice Consul following morning to inform him that my subordinates had acted without my knowledge or authorization and to suggest matter be kept confidential pending Spanish Minister’s return. He had already telegraphed Minister but otherwise refrained from complaint.

Minister returned March 20 and met me at social function. He took matter up at once and I reiterated my regrets. His attitude was correct and he professed desires to avoid likelihood of major incident but he felt that his position necessitated some action. At his suggestion I called upon him Monday morning and found he had already visited Foreign Minister to lodge protest and had drafted cable to Madrid. On ground of newspapers avoiding unpleasantness Paraguayan Government, I induced him not to prepare the formal note to Foreign Office which Foreign Minister had suggested. He also undertook to endeavor if possible to see that incident should not come to attention of Berlin. He stated his telegram to his Government was merely to recite facts and would suggest no drastic steps be taken. Considering danger to his own standing, his attitude has seemed definitely helpful and cooperative.

There is reasonable prospect that difficulties will be avoided but present report is to place Department au courant against contingencies. Our defense if necessary could be that Paraguayan Government is responsible for its acts and I may mention that Foreign Minister indicated to Spanish Minister that Spanish Vice Consul should have protested before opening edifice.

Department’s comments and guidance by telegram would be much appreciated.

Frost
  1. Lt. Joseph P. Morray.
  2. Mario Ferrario, Chief of the Division of Confidential Affairs.
  3. Frank G. Siscoe.
  4. Teodomlro de Aguilar y Salas.
  5. Enrique Prous.
  6. Comdr. Peyton H. Park.