832.00 Revolutions/90: Telegram
The Chargé in Brazil ( Washington ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:02 p.m.]
105. Reference is made to article No. 3, paragraph No. 5, of the contract between the United States of America and Brazil for the establishment of a naval mission in Brazil5 which paragraph reads as follows: “In case of war between Brazil and any other nation or in case of civil war, no member of the mission shall take part in operations in any respect whatsoever.” Federal Executive decree 19367 of October 16, 1930, contains the following clause: “Considering that in consequence of a subversive movement which broke out in the States of Minas Geraes, Rio Grande do Sul, and Parahyba the territory of the State of Pernambuco was invaded by rebel forces which took possession of the city of Recife, this State being now in full civil war.” The acting chief of the American Naval Mission informs me that no members of the mission are present on naval vessels operating for any purpose whatsoever. They are carrying on their regular duties in the Ministry of Marine which involve advices of general nature including those regarding purchases of equipment but excluding those pertaining to naval operations.