832.24/300: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 17—4:05 p.m.]
4106. For the Under Secretary. Department’s 3817, December 15, 5 p.m. The three messages from Rio de Janeiro have been brought to the personal attention of Lord Halifax. The Foreign Office informed me today that the original instructions to the British Ambassador at Rio de Janeiro had been modified by cablegram on Sunday and that the Brazilian Ambassador in London had called at the Foreign [Page 657] Office yesterday to express the gratification and pleasure of his Government at the modified position of the British Government. They presume from this visit of the Brazilian Ambassador that Sir Geoffrey Knox had acted immediately on the instructions sent him day before yesterday by the Foreign Office but they have not yet received a report from him and have asked for one urgently. Full details of the new instructions to Sir Geoffrey Knox were telegraphed to the British Chargé d’Affaires at Washington for communication to the Department which may, by this time also have later advices from Rio de Janeiro than have yet reached London. I was assured that Lord Halifax earnestly desires the release of the vessel as speedily as possible.
I will inquire again tomorrow and advise you by telegraph of all developments.