832.24/284: Telegram
The Chargé in Brazil (Burdett) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:45 p.m.]
650. For the Under Secretary. Referring to the Embassy’s telegram No. 648, December 9, 4 p.m. The British Ambassador here informed me in confidence that he regards the British note which he presented on December 6 as entirely unreasonable. He said it appeared to have been drafted by the Ministry of Economic Warfare and ignored the realities of the situation in Brazil. He reiterated that he had consistently recommended against the seizure of the Siqueira Campos. He feels that the talk of reprisals against British properties here is put out by the Brazilian Government. The situation is giving him much embarrassment.
The British Ambassador confirmed that his investigation at the Bank of Brazil [apparent omission] the arms on board the Siqueira Campos were paid for before the entry into force of the reprisals Order in Council.