832.24/272: Telegram
The Chargé in Brazil (Burdett) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:35 p.m.]
626. For the Under Secretary. Reference Embassy’s telegram No. 625, December 2, 6 p.m.68 The Minister for Foreign Affairs states that he has heard nothing more about the Siqueira Campos and in view of this and the other two incidents concerning Brazilian ships69 he [Page 641] asked me today to telegraph you that he is trying to control public opinion and preserve good relations with Great Britain. In spite of his best efforts he fears the natural reaction here and cannot guarantee what will happen. He states that reprisals against British interests here may even occur. He wants you to know that he is trying his best in the face of a very delicate situation.
The news is today released here that the Buarque of the Lloyd Brasileiro now at La Guaira was seized on November 26 by the British and taken to Trinidad where 70 packages destined for La Guaira were confiscated as contraband.