Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1940-07-25
Mexico Stirred
By Spy Plots
Military, Diplomatic and
Commercial Observers
Watch Situation.

increased foreign espionage and
propaganda in Mexico are apparent
to observers, but there is no definite
pattern to either activity yet.
Intensification of spy work is re-
garded as natural consequence of
the European war. Gossip, which
goes hand-in-hand with espionage,
has spread in extravagant fashion
and Is concerned with rumors of
plot and counter plots to incite
Mexican revolution.
There is persistent talk that trou-
bic in Mexico would be linked with
the European war. Conservative
military, diplomatic and CONNER
. cial observers are watching the sit
uation closely on the theory that
where there is so much smoke there
may be a little fire.
An inspired revolt, according to
various rumors, might have any of
the following motives:
l. Screening of a move by Ger
many to gain a foothold In Latin
America.
2. Diverting United States atten-
ton from Europe to forestall pos
sible Intervention on the side of the
allies.
8. Giving the United States an ex-
cuse to intervene in Mexico and gain
control Of internal affairs.
I. Starting an ''imperialistic" war
In Latin America.
Fantastic as any Of these maneu-
vers may appear, they are all be-
ing rumored as possibilities"
Espionage Facts Elusive.
The word espionage" instantly
con1ures up a melodramatic picture
OF powerful but phantom radio sta
tons, of mysterious airplane flights
by night, and secret arms caches in
the jungles. Rumor says these &C.
tivities do exist in Mexico, but moth
ing has been proved.
As soon as war started in Europe,
foreign agents filtered into Mexico
in increasing numbers. The coun-
try's proximity to the United States
and the Panama canal make it a
strategic base for operations.
Many informed observers agree
that foreign radio stations do op-
crate secretly in Mexico, clearing
information from agents in the
United States and Latin America to
their home bases. For three years
rumors have persisted Of a huge
arms cache somewhere in the vast
forests Of the state of Chiapas,
which borders Guatemala coffee
plantations. Nothing has been
proved, however.
Anti-Allies Posters.
Evidence regarding propaganda is
more tangible. It appeared in anti
allied form in the capital suddenly.
Handbills and posters were seen on
the streets. They called England
"a hungry monster; inferred Pres
ident Roosevelt was attempting to
drag Latin America along with the
United States into the war, and
warned Mexico to stay neutral and
above all to beware Of the allied
cause. Great Britain also has been
assailed In connection with its dis
pute in connection with possession
Of British Honduras, which borders
on Mexico.
The source Of this propaganda Is
not known.
The unverified picture of foreign
operations In Mexico Is joined like
q jigsaw puzzle with the republics
current presidential campaign,
which is growing more heated with
the approach Of the July 2 elections.
Administration forces backing Gen.
Manuel Avila Camacho to succeed
President Lazaro Cardenas accuse
Gen. Juan Andrea Alnazan Of plan
ming to start a revolution Il he is
defeated. Avila Camacho forces
are confident he will lose the cleo
ton.