800.85/11–2944
The Department of State to the Brazilian Embassy
Memorandum
The Department of State has received the Brazilian Embassy’s memorandum of November 29, 1944 expressing the willingness of the Government of Brazil to subscribe to the Agreement on Principles having reference to the continuation of coordinated control of merchant shipping, signed in London on August 5, 1944, and requesting the transfer to Brazil of forty-three Liberty ships.
With reference to the matter of adhering to the London Agreement, a formal procedure has been adopted by the United Maritime Executive Board to be followed by any United Nation or neutral country that wishes to adhere. This procedure is as follows:
- 1.
- The Government of the country desiring to accede will communicate its desire through diplomatic channels to the United States and United Kingdom Governments simultaneously, acting on behalf of the other contracting Governments;
- 2.
- United States and United Kingdom Governments will notify other contracting Governments through the United Maritime Executive Board;
- 3.
- The accession of any Government will be recorded in a Protocol of Accession in appropriate terms.
It is not possible for the Government of the United States to consider at this time transfer of any Liberty ships to Brazil. While the Department of State has for some time given careful, sympathetic consideration to the shipping needs of Brazil, the great demand made upon United States shipping as the result of current military operations are such that it is impossible to release any vessels whatsoever. [Page 735] With reference to transfer of vessels under Lend Lease arrangements, it is pointed out that transfers under such arrangements are at this time restricted to military supplies and equipment.
The Government of Brazil may be assured that, when the military situation permits the transfer of vessels, the Department of State will make every effort to have made available to Brazil ships which Brazil requires for the maintenance of essential services. The question of the transfer of vessels for post-war operation is one which must be deferred in as much as the policy of the Government of the United States still is in process of formulation.