1/23/85 #JD002 from AmEmbassy to:Sec.State Immediate
… January 15, carabineros discovered a green nylon backpack containing
documentation belong to Boris Weisfeiler.
... The letter from General of carabineros notes that the tourist
card issued to Weisfeiler (W.) by Chilean authorities upon his
arrival in Chile was among the items found in his backpack
… At the time of discovery it all its contents were wet.
1/29/85 #JD004 from AmEmbassy to Sec.State Immediate
… His trail led directly to the mouth of the Los Sauces River…
…The carabineros convinced that Weisfeiler attempted to cross the river
and was swept off his feet by the river current and drowned.
... Backpack recovered by carabineros on January 15 (1/23/85
-on North bank of the Nuble River
... 1/29/85 - a trapper discovered the backpack on the South
bank
of the Nuble River some distance from the edge. The tracks of two
different people were leading up to backpack and also going away from it.
He had taken backpack to the carabineros and reported situation to them.
… Considerable publicity concerning Weisfeiler in the local press…
… Accidental death is in fact the most likely explanation for his disappearance.
1/31/85 #JD009 from Sec.State to AmEmbassy, Budapest
Conoff [consular officer] traveled to locality of disappearance
of Boris Weisfeiler ( B.W. ) on ...January 23, spoke with all persons
who had any information concerning W.
...His [B.W.] trail led directly to the ...river, but the carabineros
were unable to locate a trail continuing on the other side of the
river.
2/5/85 # JD 015 from SecState to Amembassy Immediate
… Provided the full name, address and telephone number of his sister
in Moscow but asked that the sister not be notified unless some concrete
evidence is uncovered…(address enclosed).
… the decision would be the department’s.
2/21/85 #NF070 "Case of U.S. citizen B.W.; Areas for possible further
enquiry
.... There is no indication that Sgt Cofre and the other three Carabineros
were ever interviewed subsequently. Separate interviews with each of… may
provide more information...
Report indicate that an army patrol was in the area and it assisted
in the search for... There is no indication that members of the
army patrol were ever interviewed.
2/21/85 #NF071 to Mr. Penn
Larry, ...Ambassador asked me to ask you if there any way to refresh,
revive, update that one contact you hadthat
suggested W. was still alive. Ambassador said the one thing that
bothered him about clothing the file on the case was that one hint that
W. was alive.
3/4/85 #KJ121b Report from the Mathematical Society of Chile
The report
concluded "the possibility that Dr. Weisfeiler entered Dignidad Colony
can be discarded since it is more than 100 km from the place where he
was last seen. At the same time the Memorandum from the Consul General
Jayne L.Kobliska dated April 10, 1985 stated
"Thus, at the time of his disappearance Weisfeiler was either on or
very near to the Colonia property."
...We tried to contact the U.S. Embassy for their support, but
they referred us to the State Department in Washington and did not help
us in any way.
4/2/85 #WA008 - hand- written notes (notes are nearly illegible)
..."Being interviewed but did not gave info". ..." Colonia Dignidad
...DINA
4/26/85 #SA008v
The hand drawn map with marked points "1-er encuentro", (on Cardillera
side), "prisoner was stripped" and "Colonia Dignidad" with a dotted line
from the first point to the Colonia.
10/1/85 #NF057 - hand written notes, transcript from tape (?)
written in Spanish with some English comments
...Colonia Dignidad... ...they found...knife, two pair of boots, binoculars...an
official told somebody that he was a Soviet - Soviet spy with an American
passport... from the plane... Lizo el Rasco... brought him inside Colony,
he was given to a German official... a long interrogation when he
came out he said he was a spy. .... Then he changed from one place to another.
They said he was Jewish - he is still alive… still alive; ...two
weeks before ...is ordered to clean up the place and take the suspect out....
Does not remember name, but it was Russian name ...call to
the US Embassy to tell them he was going out of the house... from
the river...judicial aides.... can be harmed go take him out...warning
to stay.... he (B.W.) is misled.... condition like animal. He (the
person telling) had conversation with the nephew of ex-member.... The uncle
of the carabinero tried to get inside to find information...
10/17/85 #MP004 from: Embassy to: Secstate Immediate
Summary. Weisfeiler case taken a most serious turn with statement
to embassy officers by [ ] that he suspect Chilean police killed Weisfeiler
…
Embassy recommends that either we or Weisfeiler’s friends
formally request Chilean judiciary to reopen the inquest.
September 2 ...since no new information had been developed in
a month...
P.2 - ...Department will note that this suggestion gives us a clear
justification for a direct approach to the courts.
P.5 - carabineros told him (to Lopez) that he let a political
extremist from Argentina pass.
P.8 - ...enough inconsistencies to warrant further investigation.
...Department could inform Weisfeiler's friend of that we have learned,
in order to facilitate their continuing investigation and suggest they
might wish to file a formal request.
...Embassy itself could make a formal request.
Action requested: department instructions. Jones.
10/ 25/ 85 #IG00331 from: Embassy to: Secstate Immediate
Chilean law permits a foreign embassy on its own, without
supporting evidence to request the judiciary to reopen an inquest.
Action requested: Department instruction as to the embassy's
formally requesting....
If the Department responds positively ... will also approach Stange
formally.
11/13/85 #MP007 from: Embassy to: Secstate
On Oct.10 post sent dip note to FOMIN...."Why was all of W's
clothing including what he had been wearing found in backpack?"
Embassy is also awaiting Department's response. No action
will
be taken on Weisfeiler's case until Department's response received.
11/22/85 #IG00380 from Sec. State to Embassy
Although Department of State in principle concurs with Embassy
request
to formally petition... ...we prefer to wait for attorney's
report before making a final determination.
1/27/86 #JH037 from Secstate to Embassy
Department is still reviewing the advisability
of Embassy requesting Supreme Court.... to re-open the investigation into
W. disappearance.
1/27/86 #IH030 from Embassy to Secstate
As we understand that department has not yet begun
translation of lawyer's report, which is received in November.
We would appreciate immediate consideration and
an early reply.
2/2/86 # IH004 from Embassy to Sec. State
Stange grateful for opportunity to discuss this (B.W. case) informally.
...His thanks for bringing the case to his attention informally.
Stange said: "As you know, I am not a man for cover up"
2/4/86 #IH049 from Embassy to Sec. State
Questions [Q]given to the embassy by the reporter Edwin Harrington
and Answers [A] prepared by the embassy
Q. - Can the Embassy explain how disappearance ...occurred one year
ago ...still not presented a petition for ministro en visita?
A. - In the eyes of US Government the case remains open ...until
...solved. We have interviewed all those whom we believed to have knowledge
of the case. .... We welcome any new evidence…
4/2/86 #KS024 to Sec. State translation of the article in the "Analysis"
The end of article: "support to those who ask why the Embassy
of United States does not demand the reopening the case"
3/8/86 #IJ020 from Sec. State
...Please advise what specific steps are necessary for Embassyto
petition Chilean Supreme Court.
4/15/86 #NG045 Memorandum to: Ambassador Barnes from Cons. General Kobliska
...Etcheberry (the criminal lawyer) advised that further legal action
could be taken....
The Embassy has quite a bit of circumstantial evidence…
…If W. is still alive petition to the court could endanger his life....
If Weisfeiler is still alive and is being held captive… probably in Colonia Dignidad widespread publicity could be the best means we have of saving his life.
John Adams agrees that something must be done on the W. case, inaction is damaging. The real danger… that we will delay action until it is to late.
On November 12th we forwarded copies of the entire Weisfeiler fileto
the Department due to a Freedom of Information Act request by an attorney
probating his estate. The release date of these documents is not known,
but when.... sent to the lawyer, we will lose control of the
case and in all probability be accused of inaction if we don't
do something now. We could petition the Supreme Court. This probably
would not save Weisfeiler life ...but would save the reputation
of the Department of State and its' officers.
5/22/86 #SA011k
US Mathematical Society intend to pursue further investigation.US Math
Society is prepared to pay the cost of whatever help they can get.
5/23/86 #MP014 from AmEmbassy to SecState Priority
… The Sociedad de matematias de Chile is definitely interested in petitioning
the courts to reopen the Weisfeiler case and would like to have the support
of the U.S. embassy in this endeavor.
… U.S. Math Society has offered funds to support legal action, Baeza
(Chile) had declined fearing that acceptance might … for monetary reason
only. He is in process to find a young lawyer from his father’s firm …
will do it pro bono.
6/3/86 #Ng 62 to Mrs. J. Kobliska (Consul) from A. Etcheberry (criminal
Lawyer)
The delay in answering my requests, the formal and rather stiff tone
of the note and the fact that no invitation is made to have further
personal contact to discuss the matter are clear signs, in my opinion,
that Carabineros consider the case as closed and are certainly not
willing to take other steps in order to clear up the affair.
6/13/86 #IK089 from Embassy to Secstate Priority
Written report from the Carabineros:
- First time… admitted ...search for W. on January 4.
...That the three carabineros departed... and located footprints ...seemed
to belong to someone who had intended to cross the river.
- Embassy’s comment: What made them suddenly leave the "road"
and turns towards the river, where there is no path?
- ...Waded with their horses through the river in the search for W.,
as the river is ...dangerous even in the light of day - why would
the carabineros undertake a life-endangering operation when they did not
have any particular reason to suspect W. was located on or near the river?
- …Etcheberry said without some expression of public displeasure with
...investigation...the case will die.
- This is base for request for re-opening.
7/26/86 #MP020 from Embassy to... Sec. State: to: Toronto, Montreal
Because place...near of the Colonia Dignidad and because there a number
of significant inconsistencies in the testimony given by the police
organizations ... we believe that there exists the possibility
that
he may still be alive that he may be held at the Colonia.
...Q.(for interview) Did you ever heard of the presence of a
mathematician in the Colonia?
8/14/86 #IM0026 from Embassy to Sec. State
… Math Prof. in Chile is asking whether the Embassy had initiated any
legal action in a case... Chilean society had sent a letter to the
Judge on Jan.21, 86; they never received a response.
The Chilean Math Society would like Embassy support (judicially)
Weisfeiler is a US citizen and as such is owed support
by his Embassy for any reasonable action, that might assist in either
locating him or....
However the manner in which we do must be careful assessed and pre-determined.
The Embassy recommends joining with the Chilean Mathematical
Society in a court action to request a formal re-opening the case.
9/3/86 #IN0029 to Sec. State
Text of the Note filed by the Embassy to the Ministry (Chile)
9/28/86 #SA010d from AmConsul, Toronto to Embassy Santiago; SecState;
Dir.
FBI
Interview of the former members of the Colonia Dignidad
[ ] stated they were not aware of the presence of an American citizen
... in the Colonia. They explained that their movements were often restricted
and that discussion among members of the Colonia about visitors
or activities in other parts of the fundo was discouraged.
They had never heard of the presence of a mathematician in the Colonia.
They stated they were seldom permitted to see visitors to the
Colonia and were not permitted into parts of the fundo where they
were not assigned to work.
[ ] stated they believe that the Colonia had served as an
interrogation and torture center. They saw cars with military personnel
and non-military persons entering the fundo. ...Said, that the leader of
the Colonia stated that these were communists being brought in. Schaffer
is said to be violently anti-Communist. Neither of [ ] had actually
witnessed the torture or interrogation of anyone not belonging
in the fundo. Neither had actually seen …a torture or interrogation room.
...The twelve thousand hectares of the fundo...
...They could not give the eastern boundary
...He had once seen a small factory ...possibly a rifle or automatic
weapon, being manufactured.
11/10/86 #IS 0034 from Embassy to Sec. State
...Luis Lopez died under mysterious circumstances...
...It should be pointed out, that the GOC, via the Carabineros, is
trying to involve the FBI in this case. The assistant legate recognized
that this is definitely not a matter for the FBI to become involved....
2/5/87 #IU086 from Embassy to Sec. State
There had never before been a formal discussion of the circumstances
of W.'s disappearance directly between embassy officers and senior police
official.
The report of investigation by division Colonel Blamey (chief of internal
affairs) was forwarded to the direction general Stange's office, junta
member and supervising head of carabinero on October 27, 1986. He did know
what, if anything, happened to this report after that and no hint of what
the report said or recommended.
3/26/87 #NH107 from Department of State to Ambassador Barnes
...By the way, where does the investigation stand into the Weisfeiler
disappearance? Would it be useful for Bob to mention that here or when
he visits Chile?
3/31/87 #IV142
...Weisfeiler entered Chile without any prior approval from Chilean
authorities...
4/9/87 #WA041 from G. Barnes to: for the record
I had the opportunity to mention the W. disappearance briefly
to General Stange April 7, the first time I had discussed the case with
him.
4/10/87 #NH126 from: CON Kobliska to: POL -John Keane
... The "Mickey Mouseing" around we've done on this casewith
this government is disgraceful and though I think forcefulness should
have been applied a long time ago, it wasn't.
4/14/87 #MP026 from Embassy to Sec. State
Q. prepared for interview of the Carabineros:
Who found backpack? - By a peasant... tourist card was in.
When and where? - 8-10 km downstream from footprints, at the edge of
river.
Who saw the footprints? - By two Carabineros - Corfe & Soto: boot
prints were followed to the edge of the Nuble river
Why did the police never report? - No one knew him and no one saw what
happened to him.
The embassy. ...Why the carabineros would carry
out a major investigation...and then the Foreign ministry would fail to
share the results with the Embassy is difficult to explain.
...Unfortunately, many of the statements made by carabineros on April
8 contradict information previously given to
4/26/87 #WA042 to DMC George Jones
… that you and Ambassador (will) know exactly where the Embassy
stands on this matter.
… Further questioning of the Gov. of Chile ...it is somewhat of moot
point. We have never received an official reply from GOC.
The officers of this Consulate have not been allowed to pursue this
case vigorously and have had continual difficulty transmitting information
on Weisfeiler demise to the Department.
5/1/87 #WA043 reply from DMC George Jones
... All the above is hot truth... ... because the complexityof the
case, particularly its legal aspects
...The best solution is to recommend steps we can take to obtain more
accurate information
6/22/87 #SA011e memo to the files
...June 20, 1987 ...had been extraordinary development in the W.
case.
… received the tape. ...The person had spoken without
notes...
Prepared Q. to be asked from the informant
6/23/87 #SA011 g, i, h transcript of the tape with the testimony (in
Spanish and translation into English)
6/30/87 #IW-00153 from Embassy to Sec. State immediate - review
of
w/w case of B.W.
... Information only recently received by the Embassy would,
if
confirmed, throw a whole new light on W.'s disappearance.
Luiz Lopez reported the presence of the stranger to the commander outpost
Jorge Corfe Vega.
... According to the testimony of Sgt. Corfe the carabineros
were assisted in their search by a military patrol...
... The search party reportedly encountered footprints in the area
between the cableway and the rivers' confluence.
... The apparent presence of footprints indicating that someone had
approached the cableway, then doubled back toward confluence of the Nuble
and Los Sauces rivers.
a radio call from two army troopers, guarding the cableway, that
they had turned away an individual trying to make use of it to cross Los
Sauces to North bank of Nuble River."
On January 14 or 15 backpack was discovered and nobody was informed.
A vice-consul arrived in the area on January 24, 1985 and requested the opening of a judicial inquest in the court...
A third consular visit to the area of disappearance was made in October
1985; at this point a number of witnesses to the case were interviewed,
as well as the local Judge (Judge already had retired)
...Contradiction on several points between the official testimony
of different witnesses and with information offered privately
to conoff. Some important avenues were never explored in
the investigation.
P.11 Certain investigative leads were apparently never followed
up or only pursued long after W.'s disappearance...Members of
the army patrol who were in the area were never interviewed.
P.12 The [ ?? ] was initially receptive to approaches
from consular officers, and in fact [...........] to the consulate
after [ ] shortly thereafter. However [ ] abruptly broke off all contact
with consulate and a conoff ...that [ ] was afraid to remain in contact.
He intimates his feeling that the Carabineros were involved in W.
disappearance.
A second local source suspects military involvement in
W. disappearance
"Analysis": reliable source told them "when professor Weisfeiler attended to use the cableway he forced to give up by a group of soldiers, who advised him not to continue advancing".
No end of the document
7/2/87 #WW029 Strange twist in case of disappeared American.
... Someone claimed that his army patrol detained in 1985 an American
and turned him to a security patrol of Colonia Dignidad.
There have been rumors for over a year that W. is alive and detained
in Colonia Dignidad.
Carabinero’s investigation left doubts concerning the thoroughness
of GOC efforts.
We have suggested the Embassy request permission at that time for a
U.S. Consul to visit Colonia Dignidad.
7/6/87 #SA011j Memorandum (by J. Swigert) to the files
…The informant had provided such a level of detail that is was
now impossible to dismiss it completely.
Vice-consul Antweiler: we would probably have only one opportunity
to act on the information... that all possible options be carefully
considered...
7/21/87 #IW00199 to Bonn Amembassy from Emb Santiago inform Sec. State
... Embassy has information B.W. is being held in Colonia Dignidad.
... Request utmost discretion, and no direct mention of possibility
of W. presence in Colonia.
7/23/87 #IX002 from Embassy to Sec. State immediate (signed by
Jones)
W/w case of Boris Weisfeiler, Colonia Dignidad -- new information
... Sources providing the information in hopes of saving the life
of
this [W] and perhaps other prisoners.
...Most of Weisfeiler's possession were sent to the CNI's
headquarters in Santiago, while others were allegedly taken to higher
level Army commanders (comment: we have been told repeatedly that W.'s
backpack was not discovered until 10 days afterhis disappearance).
...He [informant] saw him [W.] once from the distance...making
adobe bricks near a wooden building on property...
...Was told by the guard that he [guard] was distressed by what
others members of the Colonia told him about the animal-like condition
and torture to which Weisfeiler was being subjected.
...In late May or early June of 1987 source encountered a member
of his former patrol... who told that he had just seen Weisfeiler
alive in the Colonia.
...It was unclear from source's account whether the "clean-up" underground
bunkers might have affected Weisfeiler or not.
...His story is so detailed and fits so well with what we know from
many other sources of Weisfeiler whereabouts, physical description....
that it seems to us likely that source did in fact participate in
W. arrest and delivery to the Colonia.
...If W. is in fact alive and a prisoner in the Colonia ... with
the knowledge of the GOC....
...On the other hand to take no action could be equivalent
to abounding an American citizen trapped in the hands of person for
whom paranoid is one of the kinder adjectives.
.... We may wish to approach the GOC at the senior level. Before doing
so, we will request the Department concurrence.
7/30/87 #SA011L
... Informant former member of Colonia said that Pinochet, Contreras,
Stange and Matthel visits the Colonia regularly, ...nice place to relax.
7/31/87 #IX023 from Dep. of State to Embassy
3. - Department commends Embassy perseverance in pursuing possible
new leads...
4. - The Department does not wish to delay long in bringing...information
to.... general Stange. With this second indication
that W. may
be alive and being held in Colonia Dignidad.
5. - ...In view of these persistent reports that W. was or is detained there.
6. - ...If appropriate under Chilean law, Department would favor
reopening of a separate judicial investigation over any revival of administrative
inquiries.
8/19/87 # NH417?
Testimony of " source" about Mangelle...
...Sgt. Cofre told to the judge that they had seen Weisfeiler,
but told Capitan Fernandez that they had not seen W. This lie (which one?)
apparently discovered and Cofre has been forced to retire.
"Source" said if we could talk to the three sergeants they would verify
having seen W. in custody of the Army patrol.
He said that he hadn't been able to find out if W. is dead or alive
(in August)
Said that W. worked for Nazi Hunters...
Comments: If W. was working with Nazi Hunters why haven'tNazi
hunter found some way to put pressure on Department of Stateto
clear up his Disappearance? To such a man there would be numerous group
much more influential ...than Penn State student groups that are
in fact the only organization that have shown an interest.
10/8/87 #WA051c
...According to my information, the CIA has also been
investigating Colonia Dignidad since...
Colonia Dignidad enjoys the closest contact with senior political
and military personalities in the Chilean government, and even has direct
access to General Pinochet. Former secret service chief Contreras has
often visited Colonia Dignidad as a guest.
10/20/87 3SA011...
... Zambrano said that the U.S. Embassy had not asked particularly
for a copy of the original report done by a Carabinero sergeant
in Parral... it should be on file in Linares.
...That someone else might have brought in the backpack and dumped
it by the stream...
... asked Zambrano if Colonia Dignidad involved in the disappearance
of Weisfeiler "he dismissed the possibility out of hand" (comment: I got
the impression that he didn't want to talk about the Colonia).
... Zambrano said that the Embassy had not asked the
Carabineros the right questions about the W. case...
10/22/87 #MM045 from Embassy to Sec. State Mr. Richard B. Howard
...Major revelation was that carabineros have never interviewed
the men who were there at the time - only those who replaced
them after they had all been transferred.
11/2/87 #SA011s
Zambrano: "There are bad apples in every organization, but that doesn't
mean that the organization is rotten"
Zambrano: "just because some member or members of security forces
had done something wrong, it did not mean that the government of Chile
was actively involved in the incident or in any cover-up".
...He advised not to send a diplomatic Note - this would give the matter...too
much importance and advised that it is important to play the matter as
a
routine process.
11/3/85 #SA011R conversation with former member of Colonia Dignidad.
...Denied most of details of "source's" account of the Colonia but
said that the Colonia did occasionally capture and interrogate intruders
and that intruders who lacked the backing of an organization able
to kick up a fuss may have been quietly done away with.
11/4/87 #NH370 to Ambassador from con. Bill Barkell
In fact, the credibility of all of our informants is suspect in one
way or another. We have been given some pretty wild and contradictory
stories.
I tend to favor the idea of you approaching General Stange about reopening
the investigation.
11/4/87 #NH375 to Ambassador from William Barkell (con)
Suspect: talking points with general Stange
It has been nearly three years since...during this time the Embassy
has received numerous reports, official and unofficial concerning
B.W. disappearance...
11/10/87 #NH376
The list of Carabineros who per source were involved in the original
sighting of W.... Corfe Vega, ...Soto Vasquez... Arias Suazo, ...Guillermo
Fernandez Catalan.
11/16/87 #IY050 (?) Conversation in Bonn with former members of Colonia
...He voiced skepticism that W. would be alive in Colonia
Dignidad.
...No visitors could or would be able to enter through one of
these gates [Boris was "delivered" as prisoner, not visitor]
...adobe bricks have been made in Col. since…1980.There are
a wooden shed nearby.
...There is an individual who fits the description [...] his
uncle is with the police...
.... Wasn’t aware of military presence in Dec.84-Jan.85.
... Worked in Col. guesthouse, she did not recall ever hearing any
discussion of a visitor fitting W. description.
... Frequent visitors were: General Stange and General Contreras
... His personal view- highly doubtful that W. would be alive today
in Colonia Dignidad.
11/18/87 #NH384 to Ambassador from Bill Barkell (con)
Dieter Haller, the West German Consul, ...reported to still be in contact
with the leader Paul Schaffer. One wonders what kind of a game he is playing.
11/19/87 #NH385
... If you will talk to [ ] say him that it appears Haller found nothing
suspicious - ask him what he thinks this means - was W. moved, or just
hidden so well Haller couldn't find him?
11/19/87 #NH386
Meeting George Carpenter and Bill Barkell with General Gabriel Hormello
of Carabineros
... I advised him that we would like to close the W. case, but we
could not as long ... left doubts...
November, 1987 CIA report
-...His impression...
-...Convinced, but could not conclusively prove… was fatally beaten,
then thrown into the river -...bases his theory that somebody told
to the other person that [Corfe] while drunk told, that the army
patrol found W. and fatally beat, while interrogating....
- ... Sources theory... may be...
- ... Source speculated...that nobody aware of what really
happened to Weisfeiler would ever tell the truth...
Despite the details and consistency of facts in the story [June, 87]
CIA find the above story (B.W. was killed after arrest) more "plausible".
12/8/87 #IY016g (?) From American Embassy Bonn
Effort to clarify the situation with Colonia Dignidad through cooperation
with the Chilean authorities had not been productive.
"If you want to go to Dignidad, then, please, book only a one way ticket.
Nobody comes back from there anyway".
...It is only a matter of time before a more direct link between W's
...and Colonia is made.
If Department and Embassy believe it would be helpful embassy Bonn
would be prepared to discuss Colonia situation with appropriate foreign
office officials. ...We could inform FRG of the reported sighting of W.
12/11/87 #NH412 to Ambassador from Bill Barkell Meeting with General
Hormelo
...After being notified... three Carabineros - Corfe, Soto and
Arias - proceeded close to the river following footprints. After the footprints
ended, slightly above the confluence, an Army patrol appeared
on
the other side....
.... Account would seem to indicate that ...the Army patrol
in fact arrived at the cableway before Corfe and Soto.
There is no record what the army patrol was ever interrogated
by any of the investigators
…Each of the Carabineros stated that they saw the footprints
…Corfe and Fernandez stated that the prints were going toward the confluence
from upstream, and gave evidence of considerable milling about, as if the
wearer was trying to decide what to do next. Cofre indicated that
the footprints continued away from toward the cableway crossing, coming
within 500 meters of it, then turned back.
Corfe was clearly prepared to be questioned about the Army patrol and
had written piece of paper with the names of the four members of the Army
patrol.
… Captain Fernandez ...hoped we would soon close the case.
12/21/87 #NH417 to Mr. Richard Howard, Department of State
...Phil Antweiler, one of our vice consuls, will be traveling to Chilean
in January to interview the four carabineros who were stationed in the
area where W. disappeared
1/7/88 #IY0192 from Toronto
...Showed them photo [of W.]... They said, they thought he looked "typically
Chilean"
1/8/88 # Ni 005a interview of carabineros
Reportedly, no one from Colonia Dignidad assisted with the search
The accounts of Arias and Cofre about the arrival the army patrol
are not consistent:
Arias seems to indicate that patrol might have arrived in the area
before the time Weisfeiler presumably drowned.
Both also communicated their feeling that W. was something more than
a mere tourist.
1/12/88 #Ni005 to Ambassador G. Jones from Bill Barkell
Attached memo re: interview of carabineros
Next step - attempt to interview members of the army patrol.
2/23/88 #SA009e from Embassy to Sec. State Review
since June 1987
... Continues to pursue all leads
...Since June 1987 we have focused our efforts on determining the credibility
of two reports about W, fate: one stating that he was delivered to the
Col. Dig. And is still being held prisoner there; and one stating that
he was killed by an army patrol at the time of his disappearance
.... We have not been able to confirm or deny any of the reports or
theories...
...Until mid-June 1987 we had no firm leads... Reports of military presence in the area, as well as theories that W. had been killed by the carabineros or by the army or that he had been turned over to Colonia Dignidad seemed only to be speculation.
... Information we have received has never been strong enough to act upon.
... Met with general Ormeno currently head of Carabineros.
...at the second meeting he referred to the presence of Army patrols without
explaining why he previously asserted there were no military in the area.
8/4/88 #JB094 from Embassy to Sec. State, priority
...He [former member of the Colonia] said that the leader of Colonia
Dignidad Paul Schaeffer, had enough derogatory information on the Chilean
leadership to bend them to his will, and he used it to get the Supreme
Court decision.
8/5/88 #SA008g No250 to Government of Chile
...The Embassy has received numerous official and unofficial reports...
...The Embassy is attempting to interview all persons who were involved
in the search for Mr. W. after learning of his disappearance.
O.W - will be more correct to say "after learning of his presence"?
9/1/88 #WA067 to Ambassador from Bill Barkell
We have followed up on official and unofficial leads... all to no avail.
10/88 santia 03196 Goals and work plan for FY89
Continue active efforts to determine fate of Weisfeiler, maintain pressure
on GOC for cooperation, and specifically by employing an attorney to request
the court to reopen the inquest and question Army patrol members....
11/21/88 #Ni074 to DMC
German TV journalist thought we were hiding something. We could very
well tell Gamballa that we cannot meet him, since we did once before and
came away unscathed.
(The mark "We refused the interview")
12/1/88 #SA008j from Bill Barkell
MFA response to our request for army patrol interview was received
yesterday.
With your concurrence, I plan to consult Etcheberry on proper approach
to request court to reopen case...
After consulting I will report to Dept. on... and our next move. Bill.
(The mark "Fine, please proceed" G.)
1/3/89 #SA012a to George F. Jones from Bill Barkell
Recommendation to request court to re-open W. case
I recommend that we formally request.... to re-open the W. case in
order to interrogate the members of the army patrol...
One other thing, Weisfeiler's sister, who formerly lived in USSR, immigrated
to the U.S.
We received...from Barney Frank... request for information from W’s
sister.
If you concur, I will prepare a cable to the Department advising...
our intent to request that the case be re-opened, and W's
sister's
apparent immigration and interest in her brother's
case. I do not think we need to solicit the Department's advice regarding
re-opening
the case. It seems to me be a logical next step.
1/13/89 #JD077 from Embassy to Sec. State subj. Embassy intends to request
court
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised the Embassy to request the
court. The patrol members would be required to submit to
the court's interrogation and the Embassy could submit suggested questions
to the court.
Mr. Weisfeiler's sister, Olga... immigrated to the U.S. ...Department
may receive further requests for information from Ms. Weisfeiler.
The Money issue
(The Department of State already informed that Boris Weisfeiler family
immigrated to U.S.)
3/7/89 #SA012c from Alfredo Etcheberry to Consul General William Barkell
You have requested my advice ...That inquiry came to a dead end and
are now under a temporary stay.
...According to Chilean law it is always possible to obtain a re-opening...
it is most likely that a re-opening will be obtained.
As to my fees to act as council for the American Consulate at said
proceeding. .... My fees for services ... to the AmericanGovernmentin several
cases up to date have always been agreed on a flat fee basis.
...I think it would be reasonable an initial fee of [ x ].... ...That
is roughly the equivalent of some thirty odd hours that is four
full-days work...
Should ... be acceptable to you, please send me a note to that effect,
together with the new elements in your procession that will substantiate
our request to re-open the inquiry.
3/10/89 #SA012e to Dan Johnson (Admin) from Bill Barkell (Con)
Funding to retain attorney re Weisfeiler case
I would like to officially request the San Carlos court to reopen the
case of the missing U.S. citizen Boris Weisfeiler in order to....
Mr. Etcheberry has agreed to take this case....
I think it is essential to request the reopening ... and to engage
legal council. My question is whether or not the Embassy has the
funds
at post ... for fee, or should we request funding from the
Department?
I would appreciate your advice ... as soon as possible...
3/15/89 #JD129 from Embassy to Sec. State Subj: Request for approval
of legal service
Post requests Department approval to obtain legal services to permit
consular officers to perform duties relating to protection of U.S. Nationals.
...Post will need to engage a knowledgeable local attorney.
Selected attorney is Alfredo Etcheberry.
Request approval for legal services and funding. - Gillespie
4/19/89 #JE011 from Embassy to Sec. State Subj: request for approval
of legal services
Reftel requested Department's approval to obtain legal services
in order to press for a continuation of the investigation into the disappearance
of UScit Boris Weisfeiler
Post would appreciate a prompt response.
6/14/89 #JE086 from Embassy to Sec. State Subj: Request for approval
of legal services
Ref: Barkell-Henderson meeting of May 3
...Have there been any further developments in obtaining the fundingnecessary
to engage attorney? ... Appreciate anything you can do in this regard.
7/14/89 #KE7 from Bill Barkell to Sec. State (Rudy Henderson
& Jim Ritchie)
Subj: Request for approval of legal services (Weisfeiler case)
Regarding Embassy's request for funding...have there been any
developments?
Would appreciate interim reply at least, advising status of our
request for funds.
8/14/89 #JE14? From Sec. State to Embassy Subj: request for approval
of legal services
(W/w case - Weisfeiler, Boris)
Department is studying proposal...
Response will be prepared in the near future.
8/29/89 #JE161 from Embassy to Sec. State Subj: Request for approval
of legal services (Weisfeiler case)
Embassy submitted request for approval.... dated 14 March 1989...
In spite of numerous follow-up attempts, including a personal meeting
in the Department, we received no response until ...dated August 14, stating
"Department is studying proposal"
Given the sensitivity of this case, which had sparkled congressional
interest, we would appreciate a rapid, positive reply.
10/3/89 #SA012i to Ambassador from Bill Barkell
.... Re: our request for approval of legal services in the Weisfeiler
case. Our latest cable, attached, disappeared into black hole,
as have all the others.
A final response, whether positive or negative, would be welcome,
however.
10/6/89 #JF007 from Embassy to Sec. State Request for approval
of legal services
For legal advisor - Judge Sofaer
...We cannot understand the delay in responding to our request.
We would appreciate your looking into the problem and advising us.
11/20/89 #JF036 (?) From Sec. State (drafted by Dr. Henderson)
to Embassy
Request for approval of legal services
Post's request to employ private local counsel to seek reopening of
the investigation of Boris Weisfeiler disappearance ...was vettedduring
meeting of October 18. Further consideration has also been given
to the request.
... The Department has no objection to the post's employment of ...local
council to prepare a petition on behalf of the Embassy... provided the
cost
of the legal services will be paid for with post's funds.
Baker.
2/1/90 #SA012m to Dan Johnson (ADMIN). From Bill Barkell
Subj: funding to engage attorney
On 28 November 1989, I initially requested. To check to see if funds
[post's] were available...
On numerous occasions since, I have requested the status of my original
request ... I have been told that it is being looked into.
Three month have now elapsed.... If funds are available, I would
like to get cracking and reopen the case. If they are not available,
at least I mill know that and can let the case lie dormant until
such time as funds might become available. Either way, I would
appreciate an answer.
2/6/1990 #SA012L to William Barkell from Franklin D. Emerine.
B&F office
Subj: funding for Weisfeiler case
At present time there are no funds available in
Post S&E allotments for this project.
3/30/90 #SA009a to Ambassador from Bill Barkell (Con)
Senator Arlen Specter's visit -- Weisfeiler case
...The Embassy still considers the case open
...We have followed up on official and unofficial leads... all to no
avail.
As you are aware, we would like to officially request the court to reopen the case in order to interview the four members of the Army patrol... They have never been officially questioned.
Unfortunately, there is no money to pay an attorney to initiate
the request and follow up on it.
Neither family, myself: his sister, or his friends, was informed of
"there is no money to pay".
4/5/90 #NJ025 from DCM- David N. Greenlee
Gassman suggested it might be worth asking MFA to reopen the case.
(Bill Barkell: Do we need a lawyer or can we simply
send a dip note to the MFA?)
**** **** ****
3/30/90 #SA011AH the hand written report in Spanish .
Translation of the document (translation by Rafael Cohen, the National
Security Archives)
Name: Boris Weisfeiler
Age: Forty to Forty-five years old
Height: About 1 meter 80 centimeters
Date: January 4, 1985
Time: 4:15 PM
Passport: US, Pennsylvania Driver’s License
Elements: Camping equipment, inflammable raft, sleeping bag, compass,
Visa card, parkas, caps, mountain knife, lantern, camera, knapsack,
diverse undergarments, $1,200 cash.
The arrest took place near Andarivel, after a villager who lived in
a house and had the surname Sandoval (that had instruction to report any
strangers in the area) told us.
This individual was allowed to pass by personnel of the carabineros
from the Reten El Roble, who received X amount of U.S. dollars. This person
was in search of a Mengele who visited the Germans until September 1988.
The Professor? named Enriht and the older Neckerman (who was in charge
of security in the interior perimeter) received the foreigner who was treated
like a Jewish dog.
There is hand drawn map with the statement: the principal keys of all
of this are a sergeant and the two corporals who served that day in the
Reten el Roble.
6/28/90 #NJ 033 to Raul Retting
... We believe the investigation into Mr. Weisfeiler's disappearance
was inconclusive, especially because four members of an Army patrol who
reportedly assisted in a search for W. were never interviewed. The names
are...
6/30/90 #JG 093 from Sec. State to Embassy Assistant Secretary's daily
activity report
...Chile: Embassy to submit names of dead Amcits to Human rights
commission.... to send a letter...contains the names of Charles Horman,
Frank Teruggi, Boris Weisfeiler, and Ronni Moffit. The Commission will
investigate....
7/8/90 #WG-114
Ambassador sent a letter to the President of ... Retting Commission...
Some caution should be exercised in the case of Boris Weisfeiler because
there is no compelling evidence of foul play by agents of the State.
3/11/91 #WH005 from Embassy to Sec. State
... The Retting Commission report. Boris Weisfeiler
Boris Weisfeiler, a Naturalized American citizen born in Soviet
Union, disappeared on January 4, 1985, while hiking in Chile. There was
an Army unit in the vicinity at the time of his disappearance, but members
of the unit were not allowed by their superiors to give evidence, despite
repeated requests by the USG and others. This refusal to cooperate led
some to suspect that the Army was involved in the disappearance. The commission,
however, determined that the evidence in W. case was insufficient to declare
that his disappearance was caused by agents of GOC.
3/12/91 #SA008ac (?) Subj: Boris Weisfeiler case file
Categories:
- Case Summaries
- Contacts and Interviews
- Attempts to Re-open case (1989-1990)
... Summaries give a detailed account of action taken in the case.
...All the information is classified....