832.30/81
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Brazil (Morgan)
Sir: The Department acknowledges the receipt of your despatch No. 1977 of October 2, 1922,7 transmitting a translation of a note from the Brazilian Minister of Marine requesting that the Chief of the United States Naval Mission be authorized to use the title and wear the insignia of Vice Admiral.
A copy of your despatch was transmitted to the Secretary of the Navy with the statement that this Department would be glad should it be found appropriate to comply with your suggestion. A copy of the reply of the Acting Secretary of the Navy, dated November 3rd7 is transmitted herewith. You will note that, while it might be possible to authorize the Chief of the Mission to use the title and wear the insignia of Vice Admiral, the said use might require frequent explanation and give rise to disagreeable incidents, should a foreign officer of flag rank visit Rio de Janeiro. It is stated, furthermore, that Admiral Vogelgesang expresses the opinion that there will be no embarrassment to the Chief of the Mission working with the Brazilian Naval Department in his legal rank.
You will comply with the request of the Navy Department by expressing to the Brazilian Government the appreciation of the United States Government regarding its request and explain the possible difficulties that might arise should the Chief of the Mission [Page 655] wear the insignia of a rank higher than that to which he is legally entitled.
Unless the Brazilian authorities insist further, the Department will acquiesce in the decision of the Navy Department.
I am [etc.]