822.01/148a: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Brazil (Caffery)

1757. Brazil’s unwillingness to engage in consultations with the 18 other republics concerning recognition of the new Ecuador regime, and her action in extending recognition before those republics had completed their consultations, present a problem.

This Government and 15 others are publicly pledged to this procedure in such recognition situations and have carried out their commitments in the two instances, Bolivia18 and Ecuador, where force was clearly used.

We support the formula not only because we are committed to it but because we regard its foundations as manifestly sound. It is designed to guard against Axis political manipulation in the hemisphere, a subject of paramount importance and of multilateral concern. Since the subject matter is of collective concern, it falls within the area of matters which, under accepted precedents, should be treated by the American republics through the consultative procedure. At any rate, that is the view of this government.

To follow any other course in these recognition matters is to leave the door open to stampedes resulting from the precipitate unilateral action of one government, action which necessarily impedes creation of a united front and disrupts the efforts of other governments to carry out investigations they may rightfully think their interests require. For example, in this very instance, Peru’s hand was forced, despite her emphatic preference for simultaneous action, by the Brazilian action, which likewise prejudiced consultative initiative Colombia was then carrying forward.

It may be that Aranha19 thinks that consultations are required under the Montevideo formula20 only where there is advanced proof of Axis connections. This is a misinterpretation of the formula, under which consultation is automatically called for by the mere fact of a revolutionary change of government. The subject of the consultations is whether there is evidence in the possession of any government of Axis inspiration or tendencies. If each government were free to determine unilaterally that no such evidence existed and on that ground hold that consultations were not necessary the whole structure would fall. The resolution was intentionally worded to prevent any such abortive construction.

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In view of the exchanges of information now taking place with regard to the Bolivian situation it becomes highly desirable to reach some satisfactory understanding with Aranha as to procedure in these matters. As the Department endeavored to indicate in its telegram no. [1687] of June 221 with regard to Ecuadoran recognition, this Government would welcome an assumption of initiative by Brazil in these matters. We do think that it is extremely important that all governments be afforded an opportunity to express their views and that if action is taken it be simultaneous and otherwise collective in character.

We would appreciate your advice in the premises. You have the Department’s discretionary authority to go over this whole problem with Aranha if you believe that no further exchange of views with the Department is necessary.

Stettinius
  1. For correspondence on recognition of the new Bolivian Government, see pp. 427 ff.
  2. Oswaldo Aranha, Brazilian Minister for Foreign Affairs.
  3. Resolution XXII of the Emergency Advisory Committee for Political Defense.
  4. Not printed.