832.00 Revolutions/44: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Brazil (Washington)
60. Department has just issued following statement to press:
“In view of the uncertainty as to the future situation in Brazil it has been felt prudent to have a ship nearer the zone of disturbance to take off American refugees, should such action be necessary for the protection of their lives. The U. S. S. Pensacola is therefore being ordered to Guantanamo which is three days less steaming distance to Brazil than Hampton Roads where it is at present.
There are no American naval vessels now in Brazilian waters and the Pensacola is the only ship being ordered to stand by for this duty. If future developments require it to proceed from Guantanamo to Brazil it will do so merely to take off Americans whose lives might be in danger. This would be the sole object of its visit to any Brazilian ports.”