Evening star., 1940-07-25
Big !: Jump Reported
in Number Of Nazis
Resident in Cuba
. Increase From 100 to =.
-
: $500 in Six Months;
! Botisto Pledges Curbs
by GARNETT ID. HORNER,
Star Staff Correspondent.

StaT StaII correspondent.
: HAVANA, July 25.-Reports that
the German population of Cuba has
Jumped from less than 100 to more
than $500 during the last six
months emphasized the fifth
column" menace in Latin America
today as the conference Of American
Foreign Ministers planned Joint ac-
ton against subversive activities.
I Col. Fulgencio Batista, Cuba's
estrong-man" President-elect, prom
1sed energetic" cooperation in any
hove to keep dangerous elements"
out of the New World and to
stamp out" any groups working to
undermine independence OF the
Americas.
! Warned by Secretary of State
Hull that a sinister campaign" was
under way to acquire domination of
the American republics by foreign
governments in their own interest,""
conference committee was draft
ing measures to carry out his sug-
eestlon for decisive remedial ac-
tion."
Danger From Falange.
Although the fifth column" dan
ger was not considered as acute in
Cuba as in some other Latin Ameri-
can countries, any subversive ac-
fivity In this island republic is of
particular concern because of its
strategic pOsition-less than two
hours by air from Miami-as gate
way for direct action against the
United States and other portions
of the New World.
The influx of Germans here in
tensified the possibility of danger
arising from activities of the Span
ish Falange, group of active
Franco Sympathizers estimated by
some to number 10000 in Cuba.
Col. Batista told American news
paper correspondents covering the
conference Of foreign ministers that
he believed the Falange constituted
. political theology contrary to
New World principles.
He indicated that he did not con-
slider Falange activities cause for
immediate alarm. however, saying
there was little danger of surprise
from any group when the authori-
ties know what ut is up to-"
In regard to German infiltration,
Col. Batista asserted that his gov
ernment, coming into Office in Oc-
tober, would take "energetic meas
ures' to keep dangerous elements
out OF Cuba. The nationals of anv
country working against the inde-
pendence or the legitimate rights Of
the Americas will not be welcome in
Cuba, and their activities Shall be
stamped out" he said.
Batista Receives Newsmen.
Col. Batista, who came into power
as the chief of Cuba's Army on
September 4, 1888, received Ameri-
can correspondents at the luxurious
home of an aide situated on a
street named after the big day III his
nfe-"Avenida Cuatro de Septiem-
bre." Through an interpreter he
answered all questions directly and
with an infectious good humor, even
when asked to explain opposition
charges of dishonesty in the recent
election that gave him the presi.
dency.
He did not mention Germans
specifically in promising to keep
dangerous elements out of Cuba, but
his comment was in reply to in
qulries about the reports of Nazi
infiltration.
The estimate that the islands
German population had increased
from less than 100 to more than
$500 since last December came from
a longtime foreign resident Of
Cuba with access to official records.
He said some admittedly were jew
1sh refugees, but that large num-
bers Of the newcomers appeared to
have plenty of money and live we'll
without anv anporent co,,rca oe in.