832.001 Dutra, Gaspar/5–2049

Memorandum of Conversation, Held on May 17, 1949, by the Chief of the Division of Brazilian Affairs (Clark)

confidential
Participants: Mr. Dean Acheson, Secretary of State
Mr. Raul Fernandes, Brazilian Minister for Foreign Affairs
American Ambassador Herschel Johnson
Mr. Afranio de Mello-Franco, Minister-Counselor, Brazilian Embassy
Mr. DuWayne Clark, BR

At the request of the Brazilian Embassy, an appointment was made with the Secretary of State for May 17, 2:30 p. m., for Foreign Minister Raul Fernandes to call and pay his respects. Minister Fernandes is in this country as a member of the official delegation for the visit of President Dutra.

After the usual exchange of pleasantries, there was discussed with Minister Fernandes the text of a proposed press release covering the conversations which might take place between President Dutra and President Truman on economic subjects. A copy of the draft text was shown to Minister Fernandes and he gave his approval with the exception of the last paragraph, where he suggested several minor changes [Page 572] which did not alter the text of the proposed release in substance. He indicated that he approved of the idea of such a press release.1

Minister Fernandes also brought up the subject of Brazil’s concern regarding the intentions of President Perón of Argentina. He mentioned specifically the Chileans and Uruguayans as those being immediately vulnerable and implied that Brazil was equally interested. The Minister indicated that he was fully appreciative of the position of the United States vis-à-vis Argentina, but he left no doubt as to his concern and his opinion that Perón constitutes a serious threat to the tranquility of the southern part of the continent.

The Minister also casually mentioned to the Secretary the latter’s impending trip to Paris and the meeting of Foreign Ministers.2

The visit concluded at 4 p. m. but, after leaving the Secretary’s office, the Minister conversed briefly in the reception room with several members of the press.

DuWayne G. Clark
  1. The text of the joint statement by Presidents Truman and Dutra was issued as a press release on May 21; text in Department of State Bulletin, May 29, 1949, p. 694.
  2. For related documentation, see volume iii.