Argentine Minister Says Evidence Insufficient to Prove ‘criminal Action’ in Fire

The Argentine Minister of Interior, Dr. Guillermo Borda, said today that there was not sufficient evidence so far to say categorically that “criminal action” was involved in the fire that destroyed Israel’s $2 million commercial exhibit at the fairgrounds here last week. Dr. Borda said nevertheless that police are conducting a vigorous investigation to determine the cause of the fire and would prosecute anyone found responsible. Asked if the fire could have been accidental, he said “this possibility is not excluded at all.” The fire virtually demolished an Israeli pavilion containing agricultural and industrial machinery and a wide range of other Israel-made products that was to have opened Oct. 8. Initial reports blamed the fire on two incendiary bombs and said Arab terrorists might have been responsible.