842.20 Defense/2: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Brazil ( Caffery )
262. Your 417, August 22, 11 a.m. I explained this matter fully to Ambassador Martins yesterday evening. The creation of a Joint Permanent Defense Board composed of Canadian and United States members is solely for the purpose of determining in advance the steps of a military and naval character which should be taken by both Governments in the event that Canada is attacked by a non-American power. In essence the objective of the arrangement is identical with the objective of the staff conversations held between Brazil and the [Page 147] United States. Please assure both the President and Aranha that this Government will keep the Brazilian Government fully informed of all matters of this kind.