832.796/821: Telegram
The Ambassador in Brazil (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11 p.m.]
829. My 634, February 28, 3 p.m.96 Eduardo Gomes has given almost enthusiastic approval to the various matters set out in the Department’s telegram 428, February 21, 9 p.m.97 and has given warm promises of cooperation.
At the same time, however, he continues to insist that Condor which he contends now is completely Brazilian should be allowed to resume operations. Standard Oil informs me that they have received instructions from him that the Brazilian Army is requisitioning the remaining stocks of gasoline belonging to Condor, Lati, and Air France.98 He ordered Standard to deliver immediately 10,000 liters to Corumbá and 15,000 liters to São Luiz do Maranhão. I told Standard to stall for a few days. I shall speak on the subject with Aranha. (As the Department is aware, Gomes is the most popular and most powerful officer in the Brazilian forces and obeys the Minister’s instructions only when he want[s] to.)