Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1933, The American Republics, Volume V

832.5151/185: Telegram

The Ambassador in Brazil (Gibson) to the Secretary of State

Rio de Janeiro, October 23, 1933—6 p.m.
[Received October 23—5:49 p.m.]

100. My 98. Minister for Foreign Affairs⁴⁶ tells me negotiations with them have broken down because of French insistence on preferential treatment inconsistent with agreements signed in New York and London. On Saturday French Chargé d’Affaires informed him that his Government considered Brazilian unyielding attitude had put an end to discussions and would put into effect immediately its decree reported in the Embassy’s 4161, July 20, 1933.

Mello Franco expressed himself rather emphatically as to the highhanded methods used by the French in these negotiations. He said that his attitude had been the only one he could adopt with any respect for good faith. If, however, the French put their decree into effect there will probably be Brazilian retaliation. Please inform Kent.

Gibson

46. Afranio de Mello Franco.