Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The American Republics, Volume IX

740.0011 PW/5–3045

Memorandum to the Secretary of State by the Acting Chairman, State–War–Navy Coordinating Committee (Matthews)

Washington, May 30, 1945.

Subject: Proposed Declaration of War Upon Japan by Brazil

Reference is made to your identical letters to the Secretaries of War and the Navy dated 23 May 1945²⁹ on the above subject.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff are of the opinion that, from a military viewpoint, it does not matter whether or not Brazil enters the war against Japan.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff recommend, in connection with any approach to Brazil on the subject of its possible declaration of war against Japan, that no commitments be made on the political level relative to forces to be supplied by Brazil.

If the Brazilians raise the matter of a token force, they should be advised to take this up on a military level after the declaration of war.

The Secretaries of War and the Navy concur in the above views of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

For the State–War–Navy Coordinating Committee:

H. Freeman Matthews

29. Not printed.