Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The American Republics, Volume VIII

832.1561/11–1047: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Brazil

confidential

Washington, November 12, 1947—6 p.m.

1269. Urtel 1566 Nov 10.⁶ Braz Emb has informed Dept receipt FonOff cable making following points:

a) priority dock space granted only Lloyd Brasileiro not other Braz cos

b) purpose priority to assure supply foodstuffs from other Braz ports

c) preferences now ineffective since port Rio now uncongested

d) at present not single vessel awaiting berth.

Your comments desired. Points a and b appear specious. Are points c and d accurate? Even if so discrimination could be restored at any time. You will recall that Pres Dutra informed Amb Pawley he would immediately issue instructions cease discrimination between vessels flying Braz and Am flags (pgh 1 urtel 1324 Sept 20⁷). FonOff explanation in no way appears to implement this assurance.

Marshall

6. Not printed.
7. Not printed.