832.00 Revolutions/37: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Brazil (Washington)
57. Your 78, October 9, 4 p.m. The Department would be very loath to send any warships to Brazil. Cannot the Consuls in ports where there is apt to be fighting make arrangements in conjunction with the other foreign Consuls by which the foreign colonies can be put in a place of safety? Please take this matter up at once with the federal authorities so that instructions may be sent to the commanders of the federal troops in all places to respect American and other foreign lives and have the Consuls in each place make similar representations to the commanders of the opposition forces so that a neutral zone can be declared and respected. Cable results as soon as possible. Enquire of Consuls whether it is feasible in case of emergency to take Americans off by merchant ships and what ships are now available or will be available in the next few days in each port for this purpose. Cable number of Americans in each port for which means of egress may have to be provided.