632.0023/4: Telegram
The Chargé in Brazil (Washington) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:55 p.m.]
96. Today I have been verbally informed by the Segundo Official de Gabinete of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the Brazilian Government has closed the port of Recife. Under date of October 11 it ordered its Consuls throughout the world not to clear any more vessels for that port. He also requested this Embassy to order American merchant vessels already cleared for Recife to proceed to another port. The Consul at Recife is anxious over the food supply of city and in one of his telegrams has urged that American vessels continue calling there as usual. There being a question of international law involved, namely, whether a nation has the right to close a port which though in its territory is not under its control, the matter is referred to the Department.