837.00/4449: Telegram
The Ambassador in Brazil (Gibson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 10:10 p.m.]
116. From the Secretary of State for the President, Phillips and Caffery. Had conference with Brazilian Minister for Foreign Affairs [Page 41] who is friendly and sympathetic with our general ideas and policies. He is somewhat pessimistic about Montevideo. He says that so-called Cuban representatives at Montevideo according to present plans will stage a dramatic condemnation of our Government because of its refusal to extend Cuba recognition. He adds that this is only a part or one of the controversial matters that may be thrown into the Conference. I am informed that heavy pressure to recognize Cuba for some time has been brought against Brazilian Government by Argentina, Chile and Mexico but which has in deference to our position to this time been withstood by Brazil.
It is believed here that with unrest, agitation and more or less political instability through most of Latin America a use of the threat regardless of its merits will be relied on by malcontents for the purpose of embarrassing us and disrupting the Conference.
The idea seems to be that the Cuban move will be a sufficient firebrand to enable the disturbers to follow up further disruptive plans.
This message is to enable the President and yourselves to have every phase of Cuban situation before you and so you may among other things judge of its probable effects at Montevideo.
Please telephone this to the President and keep me advised as to developments. [Hull.]