862.20210/11–2444

The American Ambassador in Chile ( Bowers ) to the Chilean Minister for Foreign Affairs ( Fernández )84

My Dear Mr. Minister and Friend: In view of your constant interest in the control of Nazi activities in Chile and in the apprehension and proper punishment of German agents, I take the liberty of inviting your attention to the fact that on November 16, last, Hans Graner Jeitteles, one of the principal assistants of leaders of the PQZ spy ring, was released by Judge Luis Baquedano Lira on a bail of 3000 pesos. The espionage leaders referred to are August Kroll and Humberto Perez.

Since Graner has a wife and home in Santiago and since he has asserted that he was not an active participant in the collection of espionage information, it does not seem likely that he will attempt to flee from Chile to another country. However, there are other German agents who were more active in the operations of the PQZ radio who, if released on such a small bond as 3000 pesos, would most probably attempt to escape justice by flight to another country. It is therefore hoped that the release on bail of Hans Graner will not constitute a precedent.

I have noted with great interest and satisfaction that Judge Baquedano expects shortly to lay down his decision and pronounce [Page 802] sentences on thirty-four persons implicated in the PQZ case, including the following principal spies who were in the service of Germany:

  • Bernardo Timmermann
  • Augusto Kroll
  • Hans Heincke
  • Eugenio Ellinger
  • Guillermo Kunsemueller
  • Raul Malvino García
  • Anna Bradenkamp de Hellemann

The Embassy shares your interest in the prosecution of these Nazi agents and it is earnestly hoped that they will be given the punish-ment which they deserve.

  1. Copy transmitted to the Department in despatch 11,170, November 24, 1944, from Santiago; received December 7.