721.23/669 Supp.: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Brazil (Morgan)
3. Department’s 4, January 7, 7 p.m. and 5, January 8, noon. It is important that the Department know without delay plans of the Brazilian Government if this Government is to take any action in support of Brazilian proposal. It seems absolutely clear that Colombia has not accepted Brazil’s second formula. On the other hand, having made a second proposal, perhaps it would be more difficult to get Peru to reconsider accepting first formula. Is it the intention of the Brazilian Government to endeavor to revive its first proposal which has been accepted by Colombia? In that event this Government would be glad to join with Brazilian Government in an endeavor to persuade Peruvian Government to accept also. If the Brazilian Government is not contemplating this, has it any other proposal in mind? In any event this Government would desire to know the exact text of the proposal which it is asked to support. It has been the experience of the Department in recent negotiations that it is necessary to have everything clearly understood and in writing in order to avoid misunderstanding.
What armed forces has Brazil in the Leticia area and what steps, if any, does the Brazilian Government propose to take to prevent hostilities? The press states that Brazil is sending forces to preserve its neutrality. Just what measures does it contemplate under this heading?
[Page 395]The Department understands that Colombian troops are continuing to move up the Amazon and it is most urgent that the misunderstanding regarding the Brazilian proposal be cleared up at once and that this Government be informed thereof.