832.24/2779
Memorandum by the Secretary of War (Stimson)23
In accordance with desires expressed by the Secretary of State in his letter to the President, dated 8 January 1944,24 and following a recent conference called by your Department with respect to munitions to meet present international trend in South America, the War Department has authorized the Commanding General, U. S. Army Forces in [Page 553] South America25 to lend construction equipment, technical advice and supervision to assist the Brazilians in the construction of two (2) airfields south of Rio de Janeiro.
Rough cost estimates submitted by the Commanding General, U. S. Army Forces in South America, are approximately $300,000 per field which is considerably higher than was intended by the War Department in authorizing him to loan equipment and provide technical assistance to the Brazilians.
In view of the pending discussions with respect to postwar use of airfields in Brazil, together with the present situation in South America, the views of the State Department are requested on the extent of U. S. participation in the construction of the two (2) above mentioned airfields.
Colonel, G. S. C.
Chief, Liaison Section, OPD, WDGS