Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1942, The American Republics, Volume V

832.248/317: Telegram

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

Washington , January 17, 1942—9 p.m.

147. Your no. 2018, December 12.² The War Department makes the following proposal (The Under Secretary,³ it is understood, was advised of the project before the War Department was able to confirm it):

1. This Government will assign to the United States Military Mission 2 B–18 and 10 P–36 airplanes for operation in the northeast area by United States Army personnel under the supervision and direction of the military mission for training of Brazilian military personnel.

2. The crews delivering the planes will return to their stations leaving however seven qualified enlisted men for indispensable service and maintenance.

3. The planes will be delivered upon formal acceptance of the offer on the part of the Brazilian Government (which it is hoped can be expedited) at the time and place indicated by the Brazilian Government. Seven to ten days should be allowed for issuance of orders and commencement of the movement after receipt by the War Department of the Brazilian acceptance.

[Here follows information concerning the flight plan, and the personnel, equipment, and armament of the planes.]

Hull

2. Not printed; this communication was addressed by Gen. Lehman W. Miller, the Military Attaché in Brazil, to the War Department through the Department of State. It concerned the plans to protect Natal and Pernambuco. (832.248/317)
3. Under Secretary of State Sumner Welles was in Rio de Janeiro at this time as representative to the Third Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the American Republics; for correspondence concerning this Meeting, see pp. 6 ff.