Office of the Historian

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

Rio de Janeiro, January 19, 1957—3 p.m.

726. As result of combination pressures … and in face mounting excitement in press and otherwise over Fernando de Noronha, Kubitschek has finally jettisoned his paragraph 6 (Embtels 6862 and 6963) calling for US cooperation to accelerate realization of economic and military programs. Foreign Minister summoned me early this morning … and said Brazil now prepared accept following English version:

“Paragraph 6. Government of USA, recognizing that GOB considers that establishment of missile tracking station on Island Fernando de Noronha implies greater economic and military responsibilities for Brazil, and therefore necessity of increased technical and other assistance, agrees to undertake with Brazilian Government the immediate review of the extent of the requirements that may be involved.” (This text is that quoted Embtel 6524 with modification proposed by Deptel 530,5 on which basis approved by Department and Brazilians so informed.)

Macedo Soares went on to say that because of critical situation which has developed locally over this issue he expected clear above text with President and advisors Monday morning and hoped exchange notes that afternoon.

With reservation that few things in Brazil seem to be in the bag until neck thereof padlocked and sealed, I recommend we accept foregoing language even though if we had additional weeks we could probably improve upon it. Because of political turmoil over this issue time now really is of essence. Furthermore we have made our main point and paragraph 6 commitment limited to review of what Brazil considers added responsibilities may be.…

Full text follows.6

Briggs
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 732.5–MSP/1–1957. Secret; Niact.↩
  2. Dated January 11, not printed. (Ibid., 732.5–MSP/1–1157)↩
  3. Dated January 13, not printed. (Ibid., 732.5–MSP/1–1357)↩
  4. See footnote 3, Document 352.↩
  5. Dated December 31, not printed. (Department of State, Central Files, 732.5–MSP/12–3056)↩
  6. Transmitted to the Department in telegram 727 from Rio de Janeiro, January 19. (Ibid., 732.5–MSP/1–1957)↩