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

710. Consultation (3)A/197

The Chairman of the Emergency Advisory Committee for Political Defense (Guani) to the Secretary of State³¹

October 16, 1942

This meeting was held at the instance of Brazil and upon the decision of the Advisory Committee. Five countries—Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay—were represented and two members of the Committee (from Brazil and the United States) attended. Brazil had proposed it because of the problems arising in connection with its entry into the war, particularly the presence of large numbers of people in its territory whose interests were opposed to the defense and security of the continent. The Committee felt it advisable that measures be taken so as not to nullify Brazil’s efforts at control by the emigration of such people to adjacent countries.

The general subject matter recommended by the Committee embraced three matters:

1. Measures for the control of travel between the five Republics in order to adopt the necessary precautions in these times of emergency;

2. Organization of effective patrols on the borders;

3. Cooperative measures between the five Republics.

The meeting opened on September 22 and closed on September 26. Its decisions were approved by the Emergency Advisory Committee’s Delegates and their report to the Committee was unanimously approved by the latter. At present the Committee is studying the recommendations approved at the Rivera meeting to determine which of them may be used and applied by the other American countries not represented thereat. When it reaches a decision on this matter, it will immediately advise the American Government.

The Final Act reports approval of recommendations on the following subjects:

1. A motion proposing the creation of political-social police agencies within the police organizations of the various countries to have charge of matters affecting the internal and external security of the State.

2. A motion proposing that the Governments represented arrange to exchange information concerning certain aliens and measures adopted by the different countries to meet situations involving them.

3. A motion recommending the adoption of regulations governing the entry and departure of nationals and naturalized or legal citizens, including special provisions for those living in “border zones”.

4. A motion recommending the adoption of special regulations governing the entry and departure of aliens from non-continental States.

5. A motion recommending that, in agreement with the authorities of a bordering State, each State determine points of entry into and departure from its territory.

6. A motion recommending that international transportation companies be required to demand identifying documents of an individual before furnishing him with transportation.

7. A motion recommending that hotels and lodging houses be required to demand presentation of identifying documents, make a record thereof and transmit the information to the authorities.

8. A motion recommending the adoption of rules concerning the registration of aliens.

9. A motion suggesting general lines to be followed in the guarding of borders between countries.

10. A motion recommending the creation of Rural Police to protect rural frontier zones.

11. A motion recommending the adoption of measures restricting the activities of immigrant farmers and experts in rural industries.

12. A motion submitting to the Emergency Advisory Committee two resolutions, proposed by Brazil, concerning restrictions on the naturalization of aliens and the fixing of prohibited zones for the residence of Axis nationals.

13. Vote of thanks to the presiding officer.

The second enclosure, the Secretary General’s report, lists the different matters submitted for discussion, showing which were amalgamated, which withdrawn, how they compared with the agenda suggested by the Emergency Advisory Committee, etc.

31. This document is translator’s summary of letter dated October 16 from Mr. Guard to the Secretary of State, transmitting a copy of the Final Act and the Secretary General’s report of the Regional Meeting at Rivera concerning the entry and departure of individuals and clandestine transit across borders.