839.113/12–1747: Telegram
The Chargé in Brazil ( Key ) to the Secretary of State
1724. Reference mytel 1715.26 Morales informed me this afternoon that Brazilian Foreign Minister had delivered to him late yesterday a memorandum outlining final Brazilian position on arms transaction as follows: Brazil had decided to complete deal in view of written assurances received from Dominican Republic that arms would be used for defensive purposes only. Memorandum also explained that factor influencing Brazilian decision was that contracts could not effectively be cancelled at this late date.
In his call on Foreign Minister this afternoon, Morales advised Brazilian Foreign Minister that in his opinion Brazilian position outlined in memorandum was unsatisfactory; since object of purchase was illicit, i.e. to arm Venezuelan exiles Brazil would unilaterally cancel transaction. Foreign Minister replied that if arms were used for illegal purposes, Brazil would be the first to protest. Foreign Minister then stated he had heard there existed possibility that Venezuela might retaliate by placing embargo on petroleum shipments to Brazil. He expressed hope that Morales would use his influence to prevent any such development. Morales replied that Venezuelan Government could not foresee what effect Brazilian decision would have in Venezuela but that he would convey Foreign Minister’s message to Venezuelan authorities although quite possibly petroleum workers and other labor elements might attempt prevent petroleum exports to Brazil.
Morales stated he was planning leave Rio by plane early tomorrow morning but that before he leaves he will send a communication to Foreign Minister confirming above reported oral statements which he made to Foreign Minister.
Sent Dept; repeated Caracas, Ciudad Trujillo, Habana.
- Not printed.↩