811.24532/11–546: Telegram
The Chargé in Brazil (Daniels) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:35 p.m.]
1846. Yesterday I learned that JBUSMC was engaged in discussion of possible revision secret military airbase agreement of 1944 (which I understand is strongly urged by Ministry of Air). This morning meeting held at Embassy with American delegation of JBUSMC to discuss procedure.
Brazilian proposals for amendments certain articles 1944 agreement have been presented and will be discussed at plenary session of JBUSMC in near future. American delegation has already agreed in principle to proposed modifications and is forwarding full text thereof to War and Navy Depts. American delegation will await instructions from Washington prior to formal signature of joint recommendations.
At same time Embassy is forwarding full text of pending proposals for consideration by Dept.
Major objectives proposed changes are to fix responsibility on Brazilian Govt for maintaining and operating bases but maintaining necessary and reasonable operating rights for American military transport and combat aircraft in war emergency and peace on basis more acceptable to Brazilian Govt and more readily defensible from standpoint of sovereignty. Major advantage cited by JBUSMC is that contemplated agreement would have more definitive and precise character in its definition of rights and responsibility and list potential financial obligation on part of US.
Further procedure understood to be as follows and recommended by Embassy:
- 1.
- Competent authorities in Washington will consider contemplated changes in 1944 agreement and send instructions to American delegation of JBUSMC with reference to signing joint recommendation to this effect.
- 2.
- This having been accomplished joint recommendation signed by Brazilian and American members of JBUSMC would be referred to respective govts to serve as basis for further exchange of notes to supersede original exchange of notes of 1944 as modified by exchange of notes March 29 and April 5, 194661 regarding [Air?] Section and Joint Technical Commission.
- Not printed.↩