832.5018/4–2646: Telegram
The Consul General in Sao Paulo (Cross) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 26—3:17 p.m.]
132. Small scale disturbances are recurring, over 50 occurred yesterday. Last night several hundred persons surged through the center of the city attacking a bakery and demonstrating in front of the army headquarters. The movements primarily involve the bread situation, appear to be spontaneous and without open Communist leadership but the opportunity for causing serious trouble is offering a temptation to Communists that they can hardly fail to take advantage of. The authorities are greatly worried and losing prestige.
Actually the bread situation involves rather a change of dietary habit than a serious hardship. Bread using maize flour and of good quality is being produced in ample quantity but the population is finding it difficult to adjust itself to the new texture and flavor.
Repeated to Embassy.