832.248/422: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Brazil (Caffery)
2623. Your 3434, September 4, 5 p.m.70 War Department states that the question of expediting delivery of combat airplanes to Brazil has been discussed by Joint Brazilian-United States Defense Commission, which recommended an advance of delivery dates. In pursuance of this recommendation, the War Department has advanced the delivery dates of 18 A–29 medium bombers to be used by Brazilian air force for anti-submarine patrol, so that delivery will be completed by the end of October instead of the end of December. The Defense Commission is also studying the acceleration of delivery dates on other types of planes for Brazil. In deciding this matter, it will be necessary to consider the ability of Brazilian air force to absorb these planes and establish necessary ground crews and facilities for their efficient maintenance and operation.
The question of delivering the 18 A–29 planes by United States Army training crews is also receiving earnest and sympathetic consideration. It is expected that a decision will be reached early this week. For your own information, War Department states that there is a shortage of training crews owing to the need of this personnel for combat operations in other parts of the world. It is hoped, however, [Page 669] that it will be possible to send one of these crews for each three planes delivered in Brazil.
With reference to the defense needs of the bases, the Defense Commission will recommend to War Department the assignment of small caliber anti-aircraft guns. The critical need for large caliber antiaircraft artillery in other theaters prevents allocation of any such material at this time.
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