Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, American Republics: Central and South America, Volume VII

341. Telegram From the Ambassador in Brazil (Briggs) to the Department of State¹

Rio de Janeiro, September 6, 1956—11 p.m.

266. Re Embassy telegram 265.² Saw Foreign Minister³ this evening re atomic matters, said talks with President had been brief but that I had told him of concern of my government at way things going. I explained to Macedo Soares that message in question (Embassy telegram 202)⁴ had indicated my government might shortly have no recourse than to review the various aspects of atomic arrangements thus far under discussion. Foreign Minister made series of declarations in line with assurances of Kubitschek including statement Brazilian desires develop atomic energy with US collaboration and August 31 resolution “has not changed that”. He said Brazilian Government serious in purpose to pursue development with US and that matter would now be vigorously pushed; group handling atomic matters here will be reduced to manageable proportions and his government considers solution urgent and important. As soon as things quiet down (evidently reference to Communist-Nationalist agitation of past few weeks) new negotiations with US will be undertaken. He again urged that US attitude toward August 31 resolution should be in effect “think nothing of it.”

Comment and conclusions:

. . . . . . .

(3) With Trimble already departed and Terrill now only officer with background knowledge of details this complex problem, leaving next week, suggest Department consider temporary assignment to Rio soonest of someone capable advising Embassy, interpreting developments, and if necessary engaging working level atomic discussions here next few weeks. Such individual should be fully responsible to chancery and should if possible have technical competence as well as knowledge background including key individuals in this field in Brazil.

Briggs

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 832.1901/9–656. Secret; Niact.
2. In telegram 265, also of September 6, Ambassador Briggs reported a conversation with President Kubitschek that afternoon regarding atomic energy matters. During their talk, Kubitschek assured Briggs that the recent resolution should not be interpreted as indicating any change in the Brazilian position concerning atomic energy policy. On the contrary, he pointed out that it was his intention to continue a policy of close collaboration with the United States in the atomic energy field. The resolution of the National Security Council, Kubitschek explained, had been taken in order to terminate public and Congressional airing of a matter which the executive had concluded had gone far enough. He suggested, furthermore, that the resolution had been intended to head off Communist and ultranationalist agitation. (Ibid., 832.2546/9–656)
3. José Carlos de Macedo Soares.
4. Apparent reference to telegram 202 to Rio de Janeiro, September 4, in which the Department informed the Embassy that it was “deeply concerned present atomic energy developments Brazil.” It instructed the Embassy to consult with Brazilian Government officials at the highest level regarding policies which Brazil was likely to pursue in the atomic energy field. (Department of State, Central Files, 832.2546/9–356)