The Intelligence War in Latin America, 1914-1922

The First World War did not bypass Latin America, but immediately cast its shadow over every port from Tijuana to Punta Arenas, and every capitol from Havana to Buenos Aires. Within days, Europe’s call to arms echoed across every Latin American jungle, mountain range and desert, beckoning reservists home and mobilizing expatriate communities. From the first day of war, European belligerents dedicated intelligence assets and secret diplomacy to compete for Latin America’s prize allegiances and resources.

The intelligence war in Latin America pitted not only the Entente against the Central Powers, but quickly entangled all of the American republics and even Japan. Revolutionary and counter-revolutionary movements, big oil, international banks and businesses were also drawn into the fray.

These books add depth to known historical episodes and disclose fresh revelations from intelligence files that were not declassified until our generation. The focus ranges from the desk of Woodrow Wilson to the boiler room of a tramp steamer in Buenos Aires, linking policies and executive decisions to incidents of sabotage, espionage, political subterfuge and other nefarious arts. This narrative connects the dots between Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Guatemala City, Lima, Havana, Santiago, Rio de Janeiro, Berlin, London, Washington, Tokyo and dozens of safe houses, front companies, consulates, legations and headquarters in between.