839.113/12–1347: Telegram
The Chargé in Brazil (Key) to the Secretary of State
1707. Embtel 1700, December 11.18 Cuban Ambassador informed me last night that up to that point neither he nor Morales had met with any success in their efforts to persuade Brazilian Government to cancel arms sale.
Dutra and other Brazilian officials had taken stand that, in view of Trujillo’s explicit assurances that arms would be used solely for defense, there was no basis for argument that latter would be used to create disorders or revolution in Cuba and/or Venezuela. Ambassador felt, however, that real reason deal was not being cancelled was that [Page 138] high officers Brazilian Army (two major generals, brigadier general and several colonels all unnamed) were involved who would not willingly forego the big profits they had pocketed.
Accordingly he was informing his Government that Brazilian Government had apparently made up its mind to consummate the deal and he felt it was useless for him to attempt to do anything further at this end although there was a bare chance that Morales who was still negotiating might at last minute succeed.
Sent Department as 1707, repeated Caracas, Habana and Ciudad Trujillo.
- Not printed.↩