832.248/341: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Brazil ( Caffery )
Washington
, February 18, 1942—9
p.m.
388. You will, the Department feels sure, be interested in having the following information which reveals the understanding on the part of the military and lend lease authorities of Brazil’s defense needs:
- 1.
- Ten AT–6 “advanced training airplanes” will be flown to Brazil within a few days by United States Army crews of one pilot and one co-pilot per plane (some Brazilian air personnel at present in the United States may accompany the American crews). The United States personnel will remain for a short period of instruction, the length of which should be determined by the Air Ministry. These planes, while officially designated as trainers, are in effect combat aircraft useful for oversea missions. Each carries three .30 caliber machine guns and four 100-pound bombs. The ammunition, it is understood, will be transported by sea. The Brazilian Minister of Finance and General Bittencourt and Colonel Ararigboia32 are delighted with the offer.
- 2.
- The 50 Vultee basic trainers requisitioned by the Brazilian Aeronautical Mission and scheduled for delivery over a period of several months will now be made available to Brazil from February production.
- 3.
- With reference to your despatch 6401 of January 31, 1942,33 the question of the 10 twin-engined Beechcraft for the Brazilian Army Airmail Service is now on the agenda of the Munitions Allocations Board to determine whether improved delivery schedules are possible. In this case however it should be pointed out that this plane is barely coming into production, and the type of engines required by this ship is extremely hard to obtain. Optimism with regard to the improvement of the delivery schedules is not yet therefore justified.
Hull