811.3332/128: Telegram

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

931. In view of the reported presence of enemy submarines off the Brazilian coast, the Navy Department urgently requests blanket permission to operate United States Navy patrol planes from the land fields at Fortaleza and São Luiz without prior notification. Notification by the local United States naval commanding officer at Natal to the local authorities would of course be made at the time of beginning the operations. The area of particular interest is roughly that stretch of the coast between São Luiz and Fortaleza.

This request does not involve the use of additional planes but only the amphibian planes operating from Natal at present.

You may use your discretion in approaching Brazilian authorities. Urgent reply requested.

Welles