326. Editorial Note
On February 2, an American Delegation headed by Vice President Nixon arrived in Brazil to attend the inauguration ceremony that day for Brazilian President-elect Kubitschek. Also included in the American Delegation were Holland, John B. Hollister, and several others. Nixon and his party met with Kubitschek and members of his cabinet on February 2 to discuss questions of mutual security and economic cooperation. In despatch 1003 from Rio de Janeiro, February 10, the Embassy enclosed an exact translation of the Portuguese transcripts of the proceedings, prepared by Brazilian officials. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.32/2–1056)
Later that day an American group headed by Holland met with a Brazilian delegation, led by Foreign Minister José Carlos de Macedo Soares, to discuss economic matters. During the course of the meeting, Brazilian Finance Minister Mario José Alkimin outlined the major economic policies of the Kubitschek administration and indicated certain requirements for external financial support, including assistance from the United States. He also presented the American group with a memorandum concerning Brazilian economic and financial problems. The discussions were briefly summarized in despatch 1004 from Rio de Janeiro, February 9. (Ibid., 832.00/2–956) The memorandum is enclosed as Appendix A to NAC Staff Document No. 749 (Revised). (Ibid., NAC Files: Lot 60 D 137, Staff Documents)
On February 3, Nixon announced during a speech at Volta Redonda, Brazil that the Export-Import Bank had authorized a $35 million loan requested by Brazil to expand the capacity of the steel mill there. The NAC had approved this loan request at its meeting on February 1. (Ibid., Minutes) For text of his speech, see Department of State Bulletin, February 27, 1956, pages 335–338.