The Unlikely Sanctuary: Why Many Defected Nazis Fled to South America

When World War II ended, the fate of many Nazi war criminals seemed sealed. However, a significant number of these individuals found their way to South America, a destination that seemed almost as secure as the realm of interdimensional realms. This article explores the reasons behind this migration.

The Attraction of South America

South America has always had a special allure for criminals, a land of wolf packs that others like them were drawn to. The phrase los lobos de la misma camada, roughly translated as "birds of a feather," captures the essence of this phenomenon. Criminal communities attract more criminals, and South America has long been known for its high crime rates, making it an ideal haven for those seeking refuge from justice.

Two Major Reasons

Two significant factors contributed to the flow of Nazis to South America:

Easier Access

Before World War II, it was easier to get passage to some South American “backwaters” than to industrialized nations. Many Jews also chose to flee in this manner, seeking places where they could start fresh. While the specifics of their journeys are less known, the ease of access to these countries was a critical factor for Nazi refugees.

Ratlines

The second major factor was the existence of “ratlines”—secret escape routes set up well in advance. When the writing was on the wall, many top-level Nazis, including notable figures like Joseph Mengele, fled to countries such as Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Brazil. These routes were prepared for the possibility that the Nazis would have to flee or go into hiding. Some evidence suggests that stacks of money and possibly stolen gold may have facilitated this escape. Interestingly, while Israel tracked down and apprehended some of these individuals, many died of old age, like the notorious Dr. Death, Josef Mengele.

Finding Refuge

Though not a massive exodus, the number of Nazis who chose South America was notable, particularly those with scientific backgrounds. Curiously, one thing consistently overlooked by critics is that after the war, both the USA and the USSR sought to acquire Nazi engineers and scientists, with the United States even resorting to the claim of an "Nazi Argentina" purely for political reasons.

Not all who arrived were German. Italian, French, and even Austrian individuals found their way to South America. Some were fakes, like Austrian scientist Ronald Richter, who claimed he could build a fusion plant, although he never managed to create a workable unit. Others were genuine figures, such as Emile Dewoitine, a French collaborator who designed and built jet aircraft, and Piero Dusio, an Italian who designed sport cars powered by Porsche engines.

The Final Nail

As we conclude, it becomes clear that the image of South America as a sanctuary for Nazi war criminals is far from complete. While it was indeed a refuge for some, the reality is more nuanced and less sensationalized. The genuine scientific talents that took refuge in South America offer a complex and thought-provoking perspective on the post-WWII era.