Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1940, The American Republics, Volume V

740.00111A.R.–N.C./90: Telegram

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

Rio de Janeiro, April 29, 1940—11 a.m.
[Received 12:05 p.m.]

181. For the Under Secretary from Fenwick. Security zone recommendation completed. I believe it represents the views expressed by the Department taking into account the necessity of reconciling the different attitudes of the several members of the Neutrality Committee. A subcommittee consisting of Cordova,⁶² Herrera⁶³ and myself prepared the draft which was accepted by the Committee with only minor changes. The principle of the zone is strongly defended; but measures of enforcement are made subject to investigation by a special committee and to subsequent consultation of Foreign Ministers. Hence the matter need not be pressed further than the governments desire at the time of the next violation. No need of collective answer to belligerents unless this is desired by governments. Publication of the recommendation would be a sufficient answer if publication thought desirable. Cannot commend too strongly the work of Cordova and Herrera. [Fenwick.]

Caffery

62. Roberto Córdova, Mexican representative on the Inter-American Neutrality Committee.
63. Gustavo Herrera, Venezuelan representative on the Inter-American Neutrality Committee.