Preface
MATERIAL IN THIS SMALL VOLUME just barely scratches the
surface of a problem which is becoming increasingly grave:
the activities of Nazi agents in the United States, Mexico, and
Central America. During the past five years I have observed some
of them, watching the original, crudely organized and directed
propaganda machine develop, grow and leave an influence far
wider than most people seem to realize. What at first appeared to
be merely a distasteful attempt by Nazi Government officials at
direct interference in the affairs of the American people and
their Government, has now assumed the more sinister aspect of
also seeking American naval and military secrets.
Further studies in Central America, Mexico and the Panama
Canal Zone disclosed an espionage network directed by the
Rome-Berliri-Tokyo axis and operating against the peace and
security of the United States. A scrutiny of the Nazi Fifth
Column* in a few European countries, especially in Czechoslo
vakia just before that Republic was turned over to Germany s
THE
*
When the Spanish Insurgents were investing Madrid early in November,
1936, newspaper correspondents asked Insurgent General Emilio Mola which
of his four columns would take the city. Mola replied enigmatically: "The
Fifth Column." He referred to the fascist sympathizers within Madrid those
attempting to abet the defeat of the Spanish Government by means of spying,
sabotage and terrorism. The term "Fifth Column" is toda