832.00 Revolutions/317: Telegram
The Chargé in Brazil (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:50 p.m.]
84. The Embassy has effected the transportation by aeroplane of groups of American citizens to and from Santos, other Americans remain there who desire to leave but because of baggage encumbrance, the expense, or because they have children in their care do not wish to travel by air. They are becoming very insistent in their demands that a ship be permitted to enter Santos to convey them to Rio de Janeiro. A recent effort by this Government to transport Brazilian and foreign passengers to Santos failed because the São Paulo authorities demand[ed] that the vessel enter harbor while the Government insisted that passengers be exchanged at the mouth of [apparent omission] enter [outer?] harbor. The vessel returned to Rio de Janeiro without exchanging passengers and the Navy Department has consistently opposed further efforts to transport passengers to and from that port.
A favorable change of attitude has just occurred and it is possible that arrangements may be made for an American vessel to stop at Santos. Please instruct me immediately if you approve of efforts to this end by the Embassy.