710.11/319a
The Secretary of State to President Wilson
My Dear Mr. President: I enclose for your consideration the report of a conversation which Mr. Polk had Saturday with the Brazilian Ambassador in regard to the Pan-American Treaty.24
I assume from what Mr. Polk told me of his interview that Müller desired speedy action, that is, a negotiation of the treaty prior to Brazil’s entering the war. It is just possible that the Brazilian Government would like to use the treaty as another excuse for declaring war against Germany, a course of action which it seems certain will be pursued, though I do not think so.
I am not prepared yet to give you my opinion as to the wisdom of signing such a treaty at the present time. It might in certain circumstances (for example, Argentina’s friendliness for Germany) cause much embarrassment. It might of course draw some of the smaller American Republics into the war, but I am not at all sure that would be a benefit as we might have to aid them.
It requires, I think, very careful consideration before we decide.
Faithfully yours,
- Report not enclosed with file copy of this letter.↩