In a very real sense, World War II was the first truly global war. If a country wasn't actively fighting they supported one that was. Argentina was no exception. Like Spain, Argentina became a war zone of espionage on both sides.
Argentina had a sizable German and Italian population at the beginning of the war, and their Nazi Party was particularly active. However, the Argentine maintained neutrality throughout most of the war. This ended when the FBI accused Argentina and Chile of acting as intelligence hot spots for the Axis powers, and provided evidence to support their claims. This led to 38 arrests in Argentina and the end of the espionage wars. When the Axis powers were nearing total collapse, Argentina finally declared war, a month and a half before Germany surrendered.
Nevertheless, because of the heavy German presence in Argentina it became a refuge for many top Nazi leaders after the war, including Adolf Eichmann, head of the Gestapo Department of Jewish Affairs.He was later found by Israeli agents and tried and hanged in 1962. Until next time take care, and thanks for reading.
(Facts and figures courtesy of "The World War II Desk Reference", edited by Michael E. Haskew)
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