Argentina uncovers Nazi-era documents hidden for decades

Argentina’s Supreme Court has revealed the discovery of over 80 boxes filled with Nazi-era documents that had been stored in a basement since 1941. This find, described as being of “global significance,” emerged during preparations to transfer the court’s archives to a newly established museum.

According to a statement released by the court, the 83 crates originally arrived in Argentina from the German embassy in Tokyo aboard the Japanese ship Nan-a-Maru in June 1941. At the time, German diplomats claimed the contents were personal items. However, the shipment was delayed by customs and became the focus of an investigation into suspected anti-Argentine activities. Eventually, a judge ordered the boxes to be seized, and they were turned over to the Supreme Court.

Eighty-four years later, court officials opened one of the crates and discovered materials aimed at promoting Adolf Hitler’s ideology in Argentina during World War II. The remaining boxes were opened last Friday in the presence of officials from the Buenos Aires Holocaust Museum and the chief rabbi of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA).

Recognizing the historical value of the discovery, Supreme Court President Horacio Rosatti ordered a detailed review of the documents. Authorities hope the contents may offer insight into previously unknown aspects of the Holocaust, including possible clues about global Nazi financial networks.

To preserve and analyze the documents, the boxes have been moved to a secure facility. The Holocaust Museum of Buenos Aires has been invited to participate in their examination and cataloging.

Argentina maintained neutrality for most of World War II, only joining the Allied side in 1945. Between 1933 and 1954, roughly 40,000 Jews sought refuge in Argentina, escaping Nazi persecution. However, after the war, the country also became a refuge for prominent Nazi fugitives such as Adolf Eichmann—later captured and executed in Israel—and Josef Mengele, who eventually died in Brazil after fleeing through South America.