835.00/2–2746
The Chargé in Argentina (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
No. 2130
[Received March 12.]
Sir: With reference to telegrams no. 560 of February 21, 8:00 p.m., and no. 565 of February 22, 5:00 p.m.,88 reporting the appearance on February 22 of a booklet containing Colonel Perón’s answers89 to the charges of the Blue Book, together with certain documentary evidence of United States’ spies allegedly operating in Argentina, I have the honor to transmit three copies of this publication.
The first thirty-six pages endeavor to answer the specific charges of the Blue Book, but the treatment is too superficial and vague to merit comment. Pages 37 through 63 contain summaries of cases and photo-prints of documents regarding alleged espionage activities, most of the latter referring to the former Military Attaché, Brigadier General John W. Lang. Since the Embassy knew nothing about these documents it can express no opinion as yet, but will transmit a copy of the military attaché’s report as soon as available. Pages 64 through 80 contain reprints of various of the “solicitadas” (paid notices) which appeared in the local press following the publication of the Blue Book, all of which have been reported recently by despatch or will be reported soon (list transmitted as an enclosure). The balance of the booklet contains various press notices, almost entirely from pro-Perón dailies, and from the Diario de La Marina of Habana, Cuba, making personal attacks against former Ambassador Braden, Gustavo Duran and Eduardo R. Chibas of Cuba. The publication contains a separate chart of [or] diagram representing the “forces which struggle against Colonel Perón under the direction of Mr. Spruille Braden,” which is perhaps the most childish feature of the entire effort.
Several experienced newspaper men believe that the booklet was published by the presses of Ahora, which, curiously enough, is the only local periodical which is credited with a photograph (reference page 104).
Newsprint dealers state that sixty tons of newsprint was obtained from them by “special request” shortly before the booklet’s publication, for delivery to the Ministry of Interior.
Although various pro-Perón dailies have repeatedly announced the selling price of the booklet as one peso, newsboys were able to collect over two pesos and a half during the first days of its appearance, but lately they have been glad to receive as little as thirty centavos.
Respectfully yours,