760F.62/846: Telegram
The Ambassador in Brazil (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:15 p.m.]
214. Department’s 107, September 15. The Minister for Foreign Affairs told me confidentially this afternoon that he has been receiving suggestions from the various interested parties on both sides of the controversy in Europe for Brazil to take an attitude favoring their [Page 600] respective interests. He set out that Brazil in case war eventuates desires in formulating a policy to act “in combination with the United States”.
He then said that President Vargas had received most confidentially information from Mussolini that Italy would be compelled under its military agreement with Germany to go to Germany’s assistance only if the latter were attacked by Russia. Mussolini added that Italy would not go to the assistance of Germany if the latter were attacked by England and France alone unless France should augment her aid to the government of Barcelona.
Aranha believes this information to be accurate as it is in line with recent Italian efforts to persuade Brazil of their friendship; for instance, they have recently notified him of their entire acceptance of all of the recent Brazilian laws and regulations designed for the control of foreign activities in this country.