810.20 Defense/6–2046: Telegram
The Ambassador in Brazil (Pawley) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
[Received 5:20 p.m.]
1124. Deptel 818, June 19, 7 p.m.57 In my first calls on President Dutra, Foreign Minister, Ministers of Navy, War, Air, Finance, President of Supreme Court and President of Constituent Assembly they have urged early understanding between US and Argentina. I specifically asked would there be slightest chance of criticism of US or chance that Brazilian Govt and Brazilian people would express objection if US invited Argentina to join in hemispheric defense plan which would call for assisting Argentina militarily, particularly in view of fact that Brazil was active participant in European phase of war and rendered valuable assistance to Allies with bases, etc. In every case the replies were to the effect that it was necessary and desirable to have Argentina participate but that Brazil should be [Page 262] kept fully informed of all discussions and when and by whom these discussions would be had.
Therefore, French news agency report published in Rio papers, as referred to in your above-mentioned telegram, naturally caused unfavorable news comment. But Govt officials have not taken this news agency report very seriously and denial made by General von der Becke and Argentine Foreign Minister58 were very reassuring and were received here with considerable satisfaction.
In response to my inquiry on this subject, Foreign Minister has requested that I meet with him and other cabinet members at 5:30 today to discuss subject in detail but has dismissed this aspect of it as being comparatively unimportant. Will report further. Suggest you keep us currently advised of discussions and negotiations with Von der Becke and Argentine Embassy in order keep officials here informed and thereby avoid uneasiness and misunderstandings.