Office of the Historian

711.329/10–1548: Telegram

The Ambassador in Brazil (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

top secret
Rio de Janeiro, October 15, 1948—9 p. m.

1124. I had brief talk with Foreign Minister before he left for Paris1 and without my making specific observations outlined in Deptel 593, August 9, 2 p. m.2 Foreign Minister reiterated complete fidelity to terms of agreement which expired July 16 which would be considered as in full vigor pending negotiation of a new agreement. Foreign Minister fully understands our objections any publicity and merely commented that “we will have to find some way to handle matter under our own law”. In view what I consider to be satisfactory assurances of Foreign Minister reaffirming his previous statements I did not consider that it would be expedient to make the general observations suggested Deptel 593. I told Foreign Minister that in view his reiterated assurances Brazilian Govt would consider terms of agreement which expired July 16 as being fully in effect until new agreement should be negotiated, that I would not raise matter again before his return unless specifically instructed to do so. Minister Oliveira3 who accompanied Foreign Minister to Paris is his principal assistant on monazite question and it seems clear that no new draft will be sent us for consideration before Foreign Minister’s and Oliveira’s return. There is no question in my mind entire good faith of Foreign Minister Raul Fernandes in this matter nor of his understanding of its importance and the seriousness with which we regard it. I think, therefore, that we should be considerate of his difficulties under Brazilian law and give him reasonable time to find his own solution [Page 776] for them. Our willingness under suitable conditions to negotiate on price and quantities is understood here. (ReDeptel 727, October 15.4) If Gordon Arneson or Major Volpi5 could fly down for a brief vacation they would be very welcome.

Johnson
  1. The First Part of the Third Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly convened in Paris on September 21.↩
  2. Ante, p. 733.↩
  3. Antonio Camillo de Oliveira, Minister Plenipotentiary and Acting Secretary-General of the Brazilian Ministry for Foreign Affairs.↩
  4. Not printed.↩
  5. Presumably Joseph Volpe, Jr., General Counsel of the United States Atomic Energy Commission.↩