721.23/690: Telegram
The Ambassador in Brazil (Morgan) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 10—2:40 p.m.]
5. Department’s telegram No. 6 [3?], January 9, noon. Colombian Minister visited me this morning and reported conversation with Brazilian Minister for Foreign Affairs last evening. Colombia’s ultimate proposition as stated by him to Brazilian Minister for Foreign Affairs is the occupation of Leticia by Brazilian forces for a short period, probably 20 days, subsequent to which the territory shall be returned to Colombia. Conversations between Peruvian and Colombian representatives meeting in Rio de Janeiro shall be held subsequent to return of territory to Colombia and not before. The proposition which Brazil is now making is that of Colombia, as stated above, and Brazilian Ambassador in Washington will be instructed today to so state to the Department, asking that our Ambassador in Lima may be instructed to persuade Peru to accept this proposition.
[Page 399]Brazil has 2,800 men and two large and three small vessels between Manãos and Leticia. First naval disposition now on its way to Pará.
These forces will be used only to defend Brazil’s neutrality and to maintain the inviolability of her territory. Brazilian Legation, Lima, telegraphed today that Peruvian Foreign Minister had requested Peruvian Minister of War now at Iquitos to take every measure to avoid hostilities.