832.00 Revolutions/200: Telegram
The Ambassador in Brazil (Morgan) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:20 p.m.]
144. Department’s 78, November 5, 2 p.m. The revolution was caused by:
- (1)
- The exaggerated use of the Executive power which subordinated the Legislative and Judicial powers;
- (2)
- The imposition by Washington Luis of a Presidential candidate who was not the choice of the people;
- (3)
- The disregard of official election returns especially in Parahyba and Minas Geraes, and the recognition by Congress of Senators and Deputies from those states who obviously had not been elected;
- (4)
- Federal intervention in Parahyba and the disregard of states’ rights in Minas Geraes. The illegality of the Presidential election in Rio Grande do Sul in which the President of the State was the Liberal Federal candidate caused the alienation of Rio Grande do Sul. Washington Luis had less discretion than his predecessors in enforcing his authority, but the imposition of the Executive will has been growing for 20 years and could be endured no longer.
All states have accepted the new administration and a counterrevolution or independent uprising against the authority of the new administration is unlikely. Military leaders may disagree, but improbably to a degree which would seriously disturb the public order. I believe that the present administration is able to maintain its control of the country and to protect life and property. The present administration has officially declared its willingness and readiness to recognize international obligations. See my 141, November 5, 11 a.m.
Press report that the present administration will call for a recount of the votes of the last election is not true. It is probable that the Provisional Government will dissolve Congress and issue a call for the election of a body to revise the present Constitution following to a certain extent the precedent established when the Empire fell. An official declaration of this intention has not yet been made. If by November 15 the situation is unaltered and is likely to remain so, recognition might be advantageous.