832.852/47: Telegram
The Ambassador in Brazil (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:41 p.m.]
5152. Department’s 3740, November 28, 9 p.m. Aranha and Celestino47 believe that President Vargas will eventually let us have the ITA ships. The President instructed Celestino last night to discuss the plan with the Brazilian Maritime Commission and to request them to consider the ships from the standpoint of BRT instead of as a business proposition. The President inquired of Celestino as to the rail project and emphasized the importance of Brazil receiving up to 40,000 tons within 1 year.
President Vargas instructed Celestino to delay his trip to the United States in order to be present in Rio de Janeiro during the conversations relating to the passenger ships. Celestino has canceled his reservations for December 7 but hopes to depart for Washington before December 15.
- Mario Celestino, a director of Lloyd Brasileiro.↩