AXIS ACTIVITIES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 3, 14 October 1942, Page 6

AXIS ACTIVITIES

IN ARGENTINE AND CHILE. (N.Z. Press Association —Copyright) WASHINGTON, October 12. The United States’ Government is in possession of facts which fully substantiate the charge made by the (Mr Sumner Welles) that Axis activities in. Chile and Argentina have definitely resulted in the sinking of ships, according to a highly - authoritative source in Washington. From the same source the existence is revealed of an Axis spy ring which is operating from Santiago through agents in Cuba and Barcelona. Some of the leaders of the ring have been arrested at Havana and Santiago. The. existence of this spy ring .is only one of the pieces of information showing the connection between Axis activities in Chile and Argentina and the sinking of United Nations ships. Both Chile and Argentina have been notified tliat the United States camiox inform them of all the facts, but they have .also been informed that the facts exist to the full satisfaction of tho United States Government.

There is no thought of developments which would lead to a break between the United States and Argentina and Chile. The United States Government does not intend to resort to pressure, economic or otherwise, to change the neutrality of Argentina or Chile. The Washington source added, however: “It is hoped that sober second thought by those countries will eventually lead to reconsideration of their posit iofi.”