Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1917, Supplement 1, The World War

File No. 763.72/4762

The Ambassador in Brazil ( Morgan ) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

Rio de Janeiro , May 18, 1917, 7 p.m.
[Received May 19, 3 a.m.]

Minister for Foreign Affairs has received me cordially, and has shown copy of telegram from Da Gama ¹ received to-day, stating that Department is very favorable to Brazil’s cooperation with the United States as suggested during Ambassador’s recent interview with Secretary Lansing.

Minister intimates that if satisfactory cooperation can be effected his Government will revoke neutrality decree reported in Embassy’s May 5 [1], noon¹ and take other measures which we may suggest.

Please acquaint yourself with naval attachés telegram of to-day’s date to Naval Intelligence Office. His suggestion regarding German interned ships if accepted will increase the probability of Brazil’s entrance into the war.²

Morgan

1. Brazilian Ambassador at Washington.
1. Ante, p. 273.
2. This telegram reads: “Brazil unable repair interned merchant vessels. Suggest purchase or charter. …” (File No. 763.72/4762.)