Evening star., 1942-01-18
Argentina 10 Impose
Rigid Restrictions
|0n Axis Nationals
President Castillo Silent
On Rio Move to Sever
Diplomatic ReIotions
BY CHARLES H. GUPTILL,

Associated Press Foreign Corfespondent.
BUENOS AIRES, Jan. H.
Acting President Ramon s. Cas-
tillo said tonight that Argentina
was prepared to impose rigid re-
strictions on Axis nationals TO
prevent their ~sabotaging the
American war effort.
President Castillo, in an exclusive
interview with the Associated Press,
also disclosed that the general staff
was studying the possibility of using
Argentine naval forces in convoy
duty.
He said that Axis nationals In
Argentina could be strictly watched
through financial transactions and
communications in such q way as
to prevent their dealing a deadly
thrust at American defense.
Some diplomatic sources have ex-
pressed the view that II Axis diplo-
matte agents were 50 controlled. it
would provide = compromise solu-
ton to the proposal to sever rela-
tions with the Axis powers.
Castillo Il Optimistic. .
The acting president, speaking in
a low, earnest tone. said he was
optimistic" that the American
Foreign Ministers Conference in
Rio de Janeiro would be q success
and reafnrmed Argentina's determi-
nation to play its part in continental
defense.
He expressed confidence that the
totalitarian threat to the Western
Hemisphere would be eliminated
eventually.
Senor Castillo, who yesterday
complained that Argentinas posi-
ton at Rio de. Janeiro had been
misrepresented. received this cor
respondent at his summer home in
suburban Martinez.
Selecting a secluded corner of the
terrace where the breeze swept up
from the River Plate in welcome
relief after the sweltering heat Of
Buenos Aires, the acting president
leaned back in a wicker porch chair
and the conversation began.
The question Of rupture of
diplomatic relations with the Axis
is now under study and it would
be prejudicial to express any
opinion" he said.
Asked whether the Argentine
delegation was instructed to con-
slider a compromise on the ques-
ton of the severance of relations
with the Axis. Senior Castillo de-
clared that his government was
ready to subscribe to ANY agree
ment to safeguard the common in
terests in America"
= Argentina's policI-is in complete
agreement with the declaration by
United States Undersecretary of
State Sumner Welles rejecting the
Shibboleth Of classic neutrality" he
said. adding that Argentina gave
evidence OF this when 1t declared
the United States was a non-
belligerent in the war with the Axis.
The conference in Rio de Janeiro
.hax- ALREADY. achieved an -extraordi-
nary Result In a moral way by
demonstrating the integral unity Of
the Americas" Senor Castillo said.
This in itself is a great conquest.
The rest is . question OF study and
elaboration.
Argentina cannot fail to show
solidarity with all the other nations
In the continent as 1t has always
done in its history" he said.
Referring to the border dispute
between Ecuador and Peru, Senior
Castillo said. Il believe a formula
for a solution Of the controversy
will be found but this does not mean
it can be put into effect during the
conference in view of the limited
time it will be in session"
Senor Castillo said II have full
confidence that all the threats
which hang over the American
countries will be eliminated" al
though this is not the work of q