Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, American Republics, Volume V

262. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Brazil¹

Washington, February 2, 1959—7:40 p.m.

724. Rubottom today gave Peixoto US note² replying Brazilian note November 6, thus formally terminating discussions under Fernando Noronha agreement. Rubottom made following points to Peixoto:

1. Brazilian acceptance US equipment offer means US has no commitment or obligation furnish additional equipment under Noronha agreement;

2. While we always ready consider Brazilian requests equipment under 1953 MAP agreement,³ Brazil should understand US budgetary stringency greatly increases difficulties furnishing additional matériel;

3. US ready consider any Brazilian proposal defense planning submitted JBUSDC Washington.

Re Embairgram G–112⁴ following is text suggested press statement for release by Department Washington and Embassy Rio:

“The US and Brazil today formally concluded discussions held pursuant to Article six of the Guided Missile Tracking Station Agreement of January 21, 1957. This provision called for an immediate examination of the extent to which Brazilian responsibilities may have been increased by virtue of the establishment of the tracking station in Brazilian territory. This jointly operated tracking station, established on Brazil’s Fernando De Noronha Island, is manned by a small group of technicians. It is a link in the chain of such stations forming the US tracking range from Cape Canaveral, Florida, to Ascension Island, and is equipped to follow the flight of missiles fired over the range. As a result of these discussions certain mutually satisfactory adjustments have been made in the level of military cooperation for hemisphere defense between the two countries, as provided in the Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement of 1953. The increased military equipment which the Brazilian Armed Forces will receive will be programmed over a four-year period. Priorities for delivery of specific items are the subject of discussions now in progress.”

Security regulations preclude more specific information to public.

Rubottom showed text to Peixoto who requested it be cleared with Foreign Office. Request you consult Foreign Office and inform Department its reaction foregoing text, also your suggestions release date.⁵

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 711.56332/12–1058. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Spencer and approved and signed by Rubottom.
2. Signed for the Secretary by Dillon on January 24.
3. Military Assistance Agreement of March 15, 1952, entered into force May 19, 1953.
4. Airgram G–112, December 10, recommended issuance of a statement on the satisfactory conclusion of negotiations for extra military equipment pursuant to Article 6 of the Fernando de Noronha missile tracking station agreement of January 21, 1957. (Department of State, Central Files, 711.56332/12–1058)
5. In telegram 1050 from Rio de Janeiro, February 6, the Embassy stated that the proposed public statement would have “little positive effect while inviting renewed attention Brazilian nationalists to Fernando Noronha,” and therefore suggested dropping the whole idea. (ibid., 711.56332/2–659) The Department concurred in telegram 756 to Rio de Janeiro, February 10. (ibid.)