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

740.00111A.R.–N.C./94: Telegram

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

Rio de Janerio, May 4, 1940—11 a.m.
[Received 11:50 a.m.]

194. For the Under Secretary from Fenwick. Committee finding difficulty in reaching agreement on the subject of postal correspondence some wishing to assert the principle of inviolability just as it is laid down in the Hague Convention⁷² without any attempt to reconcile it with the belligerent right of contraband. Others are prepared to recognize that inviolability of postal correspondence must be restricted to genuine correspondence but this group divided as to practical means of carrying out that restriction without breaking down the principle. My own judgement is that the claim of inviolability can only be successfully maintained if limited to special mail bags guaranteed not to contain contraband. But the Department appears to oppose this. Will advise progress of discussions. [Fenwick.]

Caffery

72. See Article I of the XI Hague Convention of 1907. Foreign Relations, 1907, pt. 2, p. 1237.