862.20235/10–2445: Telegram
The Chargé in Argentina (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 24—7:36 p.m.]
2650. Re Embassy telegram 2560, October 16, 8 p.m. and despatch 1102, October 17.67 Osmar Hellmuth and Andrés Blay Pigrau arrived in Buenos Aires yesterday and were promptly arrested by Argentine police authorities. Federal police asked Legal Attaché today for adverse information against Pigrau whom they consider deporting to Paraguay.
Ernest Hoppe and Oscar Liehr due arrive October 27.
On October 22 British Embassy notified Argentine Foreign Office these persons are self-confessed Nazi agents detained under special wartime regulations recently expired; that it was impossible for British to try them as their offenses were committed outside British jurisdiction; and asked that steps be taken by Argentina to insure they do not engage again in pro-Nazi activities or espionage.
Publicity covering return of Hellmuth thus far confined to factual report of return and review of his pro-Nazis activities.
In view of Argentine action I am merely urging Foreign Office to take measures against these spies under Argentine law.
- Despatch not printed.↩