832.24/1740: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Brazil (Caffery)
2244. Your 2815, June 10, 1 p.m. Some press speculation and trade letters and cables have resulted in erroneous information concerning Decentralization Plan for export control as operative in most of the other American republics. BEW69 and the Department wish it definitely understood that published and unpublished rumors [Page 153] to the contrary notwithstanding, there is, first, no intention to abandon decentralization; secondly, that any and all changes that may in the future be made will only be made after full consultation and concurrence on the part of the appropriate Government agencies in the other American republics and the United States; that no changes have been made through issuance of Bulletin 9970 of the BEW which merely recognizes the right of American exporters to appeal to their Government directly in case of undue hardship. In the consideration of such cases, BEW will adhere strictly to the spirit and letter of the Decentralization Plan. The agreement to consult with the Carteira in all cases where the application is not accompanied by a preference request will be carried out. Unless and until altered agreements are entered into, the Decentralization Plan is in full effect as agreed upon and there will be no licenses issued except as provided for under the plan.
You are authorized to communicate the foregoing to the Government to which you are accredited adding that this Government would have no objection if it were published in the local press.