740.0011 European War 1939/27590: Telegram
The Ambassador in Brazil (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 30—4:26 p.m.]
478. President Vargas’ press conference last night at Guanabara Palace following his return from Natal was published under large headlines in all newspapers. Accounts were preceded by comments praising cooperation between the two countries and emphasizing Brazil’s responsibilities in the war particularly in connection with African campaign; President Vargas opened conference stating he desired to give “general impressions on the conference I have just had with President Roosevelt.” He disclosed that President Roosevelt had requested the meeting at Natal some days ago but the invitation had been kept secret. “We talked at length on all matters concerning the common interests of the nations at war and particularly the cooperation of Brazil with the United States. I may affirm that our agreement was complete on all points and on the object of our conversation. I had the great pleasure to see President Roosevelt again, who has always been a constant friend of Brazil. I found him in the best of spirits with his great and intense energy in its full development and still demonstrating the firm decision to carry forward this crusade in which we are all pledged and with the frankest optimism on the results of the struggle.” He said that the two Presidents had drafted a joint note for the press in addition to a personal note which President Roosevelt would give the press in the United States. Asked if he could elaborate on his statement “our agreement was complete,” the President said he referred “to the understandings on the objectives of our meeting. We dealt with matters referring to the war and those which possibly may arise after the peace. The necessity of winning the war, however, was the main subject and on this aspect we talked much on the cooperation of Brazil with the United States, integral cooperation, with no restrictions.” To a question regarding the cooperation of Brazil’s Armed Forces, the President replied by repeating “cooperation with no restrictions.” He added, “As we are in the war our cooperation with the United States must be complete. Everything the United States judges necessary and useful as cooperation from Brazil we shall continue to give.” President Vargas then told the press “President Roosevelt returned frankly satisfied with the results of the Conference at Casablanca.” Replying to another question regarding President Roosevelt’s impressions on the probable duration of the war President Vargas said, “The Allied Nations are prepared for a long war, nor do they wish to hold undue optimism [Page 658] as in war there are unforeseen developments. The military power of Germany is evidently in decline. There may be a collapse from one moment to the next. With all this, however, work is being done as it should be done in such emergencies in anticipation of a long war.” Asked about his own opinion of the war’s duration Vargas replied, “I am in entire accord with President Roosevelt. We must prepare for a long war. There is no doubt, however, that we are all entirely certain of victory.” To another question regarding the union of the French as the result of the Casablanca meeting President Vargas replied, “I found President Roosevelt pleased and fully satisfied with the results of the Casablanca Conference including that of having realized the union of the French.” He added he arrived in Natal the evening before President Roosevelt’s arrival as “The host should await the visitor.” Asked regarding his impressions of the base at Natal President Vargas said, “Good. In the region of the airport a new city has arisen. The naval base is still being constructed. I was there with our military chiefs, General Cordeiro de Farias, Almirante Ary Parreiras and Brigadier General Eduardo Gomes. All emphasized that the best spirit of cooperation reigns between the Brazilians and Americans.” Asked if he expected immediate results from the Natal conference President Vargas said he could not discuss this “as in the Natal conference we dealt with the cooperation of Brazil with the United States and there was the most complete understanding on the subject. Things may happen and they may not; but the objective of the conference was just that. Furthermore that is borne out in the note the press will receive.” Asked if the subject of Chile was broached President Vargas said, “President Roosevelt showed himself as very satisfied with the attitude of Chile.”9 President Vargas then told the press in answer to a question that the subject of the Amazon development had not been discussed as it “is included in the general cooperation of Brazil. The matter is now in full execution.”