835.01/9–944: Telegram
The Chargé in Argentina (Reed) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 9—3:10 p.m.]
2343. In press conference last night Peluffo stated that impression created by your statement45 day before yesterday regarding possible asylum in Argentina for Axis war criminals was disagreeable, that it is absurd to think Argentina would be selected as haven by Axis refugees, that a direct attack by you unusual in diplomacy was repeated against Argentina and particularly its government against which you reiterate your discrimination, and that there must be grave errors of opinion and understanding unless you were misquoted. It is absurd to accuse Argentina of being center of Fascist movement infecting other countries of continent, he asserted, adding that no such thing exists here, the ideology having been officially and in practice repudiated by Argentine people and Government, and that permanent presence of an accusing finger can only disturb serenity of Argentine political conduct.
Regarding rumors of Argentine inspiration behind efforts to disrupt continental unity, Peluffo denied such inspiration saying Argentina authentic part of American bloc, and rejected all charges Argentina would mix into internal problems of other countries such as Brazil in violation of own philosophy. Asked whether you might have in mind some hidden Nazi organization operating here rather than meaning government itself sponsored pro-Nazi activities, Peluffo replied that if this were so government would surely sooner or later discover such organization. Asked what he thinks you want, Minister said this is question Argentine government and people are asking themselves, since Argentina has complied with all commitments and repeatedly shown its desire for continental harmony, its fraternal feelings towards neighbors and its comprehension of and respect for their problems. He went on to deny anti-Semitism exists in country and challenged reporters to discover here anything like restricted zones which exist for racial reasons in other countries. Reporter promptly inquired in an aside if he referred to Harlem but he evaded reply, no mention of question being carried in official release.
Peluffo voiced surprise you should have indicated doubt about formal nature of García Arias46 statement on Axis refugees since statements of diplomats if not at once disavowed [by] their government [Page 286] have weight of official pronouncements. He said with heavy sarcasm that Argentina has committed two unpardonable crimes: that those who accuse Argentina are mistaken in their choice of the true path to reach complete continental solidarity desired by all and that others who have realized this error reproach those who are mistaken, causing confusion. He ended by expressing confidence that misunderstandings will be cleared up and expressing hope that Argentina will continue always being country of peace.
Peluffo during conference referred to situation of Argentine diplomats in Europe whose exchange has been delayed by changed circumstances due to Allied advances, and also declared that Argentine gifts of food to Rome and Paris reveal true sentiments of country. These points were not included in official release published today, which is being forwarded by courier.47
- In his press conference of September 7, 1944, Secretary of State Hull indicated that evidence would be necessary for him to believe that Argentina would not provide an asylum for Nazi war criminals. The statement was given in response to a question concerning the transfer of Nazis to Argentina.↩
- Rodolfo Garcia Arias, Argentine Chargé in Washington.↩
- Release as it appeared in La Prensa transmitted to Department from Buenos Aires in despatch 16003, September 9, 1944, not printed.↩