811.24532/1–746
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Brazilian Affairs (Chalmers) to the Director of the Office of American Republic Affairs (Briggs)
I have discussed with Ambassador Berle5 the article in the New York Times of January 5 concerning the growing coolness to United States “occupation”.
This is an objectively written article which states a fact which has been becoming increasingly obvious over the past month or so. While the riots in São Paulo were motivated by special factions, they must be considered as related to the general problem. Furthermore, some time ago the Consul at Recife6 reported that there was a growing coolness between United States forces in that city and the local police. There have also been some comments transmitted verbally by Brazilians or Americans who have recently been in Brazil.
In the discussion with Ambassador Berle it was decided that the Department should take steps intended to reduce Army and Navy personnel in Brazil as much as possible to the numbers required for (a) maintaining ATC operations; (b) carrying out our commitments under the Joint Brazil–United States Defense Commission (training missions and so forth); and (c) limited Military and Naval Attaché staffs.
[Page 429]Discussion was had of the very large Naval Operating Base at Rio. The Ambassador feels that this base could be closed up or greatly reduced with little loss to essential operations. The Navy Department, however, has indicated informally that it does not wish to be rushed in this matter, although it proposes eventually to close the base. We may find this a rather sticky thing to handle.
It would be my suggestion that the problem be held in abeyance, if possible, until the Ambassador’s return to Rio, at which time discussions can be had with Military and Naval Attachés and other military or naval authorities on the spot.7 On the basis of such discussions the Embassy could make concrete recommendations which would strengthen our hand with both the War and Navy Departments. We would also be better prepared with a factual basis to substantiate a request for action along these lines.