835.00/11–648: Telegram
The Ambassador in Uruguay (Briggs) to the Secretary of State
380. Ambassador Bruce has kindly sent copy his secret airgram 502 November 4 describing call on him of Buenos Aires Police Chief Bertollo in which latter reportedly made certain statements about me in regard to which, as Department well aware, there is no truth whatsoever.
Equally silly allegations reported in airgram made by Bertollo involving my alleged relations with John Griffiths whom I have seen only once (last May) since his arrival Montevideo. Furthermore when Embassy Buenos Aires last April telegraphed suggesting informal representations by Embassy Montevideo to Uruguay Foreign Office seeking special permission for entry Griffiths, then under Argentine deportation orders, we explained to Embassy Buenos Aires in reply why we thought such step undesirable adding that unless some compelling aspect case unknown in Montevideo we preferred not approach Uruguay Government. No approach made.
Griffiths proceeded US on deportation from Argentina and apparently obtained Uruguay visa there on own initiative.
As to other aspects Bertollo charges against Griffiths neither Chancery nor CAS Montevideo aware any proof thereof or whether “proof” mentioned in Buenos Aires telegram 989 October 4, 5 p. m.1 has since been made available.
Sent Department 380, repeated Buenos Aires.
- Not printed.↩