711.35/8–2245: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Braden) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:50 p.m.]
1939. Dept.’s telegram 1130, August 21, 8 p.m.46 No accurate information available re political prisoners being held. Estimates vary widely from low 60 to high 1500.
Despite our repeated protests Japanese schools and social organizations continue to operate unrestricted—also German schools. A few German social organizations have been closed but majority continue to operate.
One Jap weekly and one semi-weekly now being published in Spanish; pro-Axis German newspaper Die Zeitung published by former owners of extremely pro-Nazi Deutsche La Plata Zeitung still appears but policy recently cautious. Other pro-Axis German dailies have been closed.
Govt, decree of July 31 provides for Safehaven investigations but to date no progress reported in discovering Axis assets or in investigations requested re individuals seeking Argentine refuge. No control exercised over officers and directors of Axis associations. Similarly no action other than blocking of certain assets taken re German and Jap officers and directors of spearhead firms.
Seventy German agents at present under arrest. Investigations covered 15 Jap and 223 others for Axis espionage activities. On any basis of comparison number under arrest seems insignificant.
Argentine Govt. has intervened or is investigating all presently known spearhead firms but others will doubtless appear as investigations proceed. Funds of approximately 130 intervened firms have been blocked and receivers or control commissions placed in charge of 53 firms.
Fifty-three firms are under direction of receivers or control commissions with the avowed purpose of eventual liquidation. Two banks have been closed but are still in process of liquidation.
One hundred and thirty-nine firms (including above 53) are subject to either control, intervention, or investigation plus 6 Axis insurance companies presently being liquidated. In addition to German banks and insurance companies, actual liquidation has been accomplished only in cases of 2 minor commercial firms. Merchandise of 11 to 17 spearhead firms has been advertised for public auction. Exact figure depends on number classified as subsidiaries. Up to June 1 despite their formal commitments absolutely no action had been taken [Page 478] and foregoing very unsatisfactory accomplishments which actually amount only to glorified interventorship, i.e. nothing really effective, has only resulted from Embassy’s constant prodding.
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