800.6363/618a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Brazil (Caffery)
1016. For military reasons tanker sailings from Gulf and Caribbean points to the East Coast of the United States and the East Coast of South America are being cancelled. The duration of this measure cannot be stated at the present time but may extend over a period of from a month to 6 weeks. Studies are now under way to determine the adequacy of stocks of petroleum products in the country to which you are accredited and when these studies are completed the best means of meeting emergency requirements during the period mentioned will be communicated to you.
Pending the receipt of this fuller information and instructions, you should use the foregoing information only if absolutely necessary in your confidential discussions with Government officials.