740.00111A.R./894: Telegram
The Ambassador in Brazil (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:30 p.m.]
7. For Under Secretary. My January 3, 8 p.m.7 Aranha and Nabuco8 referring again to paragraph 3 of the Department’s 251, [Page 259] December 30, 3 p.m., say that in their opinion different treatment should be envisaged for British and German vessels violating the neutrality zone: As they see it British war vessels are off this coast primarily for the purpose of convoying merchant ships and it is in the interest of Brazil to have merchant ships convoyed when they carry Brazilian goods; German war vessels are here for raiding purposes: In other words they would not like to enforce the sanctions set out as a possibility in paragraph 3 against British war vessels.
They add that in effect article XXI of Brazil’s neutrality laws covers their position.