Messersmith, G.S., Buenos Aires. To Dean Acheson, Washington.
Date
1947-04-25
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Foreign Minister reported yesterday that Ambassador [Oscar] Ivanissevich would leave May 3 to return to Washington and would carry a message from President Perón to President Truman; Ivanissevich would be instructed to inform Truman that Perón and Argentine Government appreciated friendly gesture Truman had made, that Argentina had carried through its obligations in the matters of enemy institutions and enemy property and would spare no efforts to get rid of remaining enemy aliens in Argentina, and that Perón was anxious to bring about complete normalization of relations with U.S.; Foreign Minister said his Government had in mind no official statement to make as to full compliance with its commitments, but when next group was deported would make a factual statement as to number sent; of the remaining aliens, most important are Johannes [Siegfried] Becker, Hans Harnisch, Wilhelm Seidletz, and Gustav Utzinger; Harnisch in custody, but was not informed of names of others being held; one of the most important Nazi agents on list to be deported, Friedrich von Schulz Hausmann, committed suicide; has noted with concern Department's doubt that Argentine Government's statement is true that some of the enemy agents in hiding have left country; thinks such doubts are unfounded; being on the spot, is in good position to know what Argentine Government is doing or not doing; true that some of these in hiding may be shielded by Argentine people, but doesn't believe anyone in Government is guilty; true also that some escaped because they were warned in advance; even President Perón and Foreign Minister stated frankly they feared some venal police official had passed the warning; believes remaining aliens at large not dangerous, for if they ever become active again they would give themselves away and be caught; can no longer speak of the Argentine as giving "promises instead of deeds", because there is now no question about their deeds.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.