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

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

Rio de Janeiro, December 5, 1956—11 a.m.

558. Embtels 550² and 557.³ In view continuing delay on military facilities Embassy officer discussed situation on November 30 on informal, personal basis with Ambassador Carvalho e Souza, chief of political department, who in recent weeks has taken leading role in Foreign Office efforts obtain agreement military authorities on affirmative response re guided missiles project in particular. Ambassador Carvalho stated despite every effort final agreement not yet obtained. On contrary, National Security Council representatives at meeting November 29 insisted facilities used on Fernando de Noronha island must be limited to remainder period Kubitschek administration, i.e., four years, arguing that next administration could extend agreement if it saw fit. (As reported Embtel 446⁴ Foreign Office draft provided for period of ten years renewable for another ten and denunciation on one year’s notice.)

In view this negative development Embassy official in meeting November 30 expressed grave concern distinct possibility breakdown negotiations, remarking that Embassy understood US Air Force had set December 10 as deadline for awarding construction contract on Noronha Island (re Deptel 437). If satisfactory agreement could not be reached very soon it therefore appeared that we might be forced abandon project. Such development would be bound have negative effect on relations our two countries, particularly unfortunate at this moment of great international tension. Embassy official stressed that these observations were made in spirit of frank and open discussion of common problems which has marked our relations with Foreign Office, and should not be interpreted in any sense as exercise of undue pressure but rather as statement of factual situation.

. . . . . . .

At further meeting late yesterday Ambassador Carvalho recounted further unsuccessful discussions with military over weekend. Foreign Ministry has therefore decided take issue to President and to this end paper prepared outlining situation for his background information. Ambassador Carvalho read excerpts which state case clearly and forcibly.

It is our considered opinion that whole matter must be brought to conclusion in very near future. Foreign Office anticipates discussion with President this week and delivery note to us next Monday if necessary backing obtained. Department’s views requested on (1) reported December 10 deadline, (2) whether we are prepared accept indicated period duration with denunciation on one year’s notice, and (3) acceptability authorization proceed with construction without specific written agreement on customs privileges, tax exemptions and criminal and civil jurisdiction over US personnel. On latter point Ambassador Carvalho expressed opinion military not likely create difficulties.

In connection this whole problem it seems more than ever apparent in light memorandum now received listing assistance desired by Brazilian Navy (Embtel 557) that aside from sensitiveness on sovereignty question negative attitude of Brazilian military strongly influenced by failure obtain desired military assistance from US.

Briggs

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 732.5–MSP/12–556. Secret; Priority.
2. In telegram 550, November 30, the Embassy requested clarification of the term “interim right of entry.” In an earlier message (telegram 437 to Rio de Janeiro, November 16; ibid., 732.5–MSP/11–1656), the Department had informed the Embassy that the Air Force’s present schedule for construction of the guided missile station at Fernando de Noronha required Brazilian approval of an interim right of entry by December 10. In telegram 550, the Embassy inquired whether the United States was prepared to begin construction, or make firm commitments with contractors regarding construction, after the conclusion of an agreement with the Brazilians “in principle,” hoping that an agreement regarding specific commitments could be reached at a later date. “If we are not prepared to proceed on this basis,” the telegram noted, “Embassy frankly believes there is no prospect meeting December 10 deadline mentioned Department telegram 437.” (Ibid., 732.5–MSP/11–3056)
3. Telegram 557, December 4, transmitted the text of a Brazilian Foreign Office memorandum setting forth the views of the Brazilian Navy on assistance desired from the United States. (Ibid., 732.5–MSP/12–456)
4. Dated November 2. (Ibid., 732.5–MSP/11–256)