Office of the Historian

832.6363/2–648: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Brazil

us urgent
Washington, February 6, 1948.

109. Following from Commerce: Adverse weather conditions and abnormally low stocks have aggravated critical shortages of all petroleum heating fuels throughout large areas of the United States.

The seriousness of these shortages has led the Department of Commerce to reduce first quarter export allocations, effective January 30, 1948, as follows:

(Unit—Barrels)
Schedule B Number Description Original Quota Revised Quota
501700 Other Motor Gasoline 5,250,000 4,550,000
502700 Kerosene 900,000 600,000
503000 Gas Oil and Distillate Fuel Oil 3,200,000 2,800,000
503100 Residual Fuel Oil 1,800,000 1,000,000
In addition, the separate quota of 1,600,000 barrels of gas oil and distillate fuel oil, established for Japan and Ryukyus, has been reduced to 100,000 barrels [sic].

The revision of first quarter export allocations has not resulted in reductions of the original country allocation to Brazil. Concern is increasing over diminishing U.S. stocks of all allocated petroleum and petroleum products. The course of events may necessitate further reductions of all export allocations.

[Page 356]

In the light of the revised first quarter allocations and continuing critical U.S. shortages of petroleum heating oils and aviation gasoline and motor gasoline, the Mission is requested to consult immediately with representatives of the Brazilian Government to determine what reductions in the first quarter petroleum allocations to Brazil can be achieved without probable serious economic disruption. Information urgently required as to detail of essential end uses of petroleum from U.S. in Brazil and the effect on the economy of possible reductions.

It is urgent that OIT receive your reply not later than Wednesday, February 11, 1948.

Marshall