294. Memorandum of a Conversation, Department of State, Washington, August 12, 19601
SUBJECT
- Brazilian Views Relating to Sixth and Seventh Meetings of the Foreign Ministers
PARTICIPANTS
- The Secretary
- Foreign Minister Horacio Lafer of Brazil
- Ambassador Moreira Salles of Brazil
- Ambassador Fernando Lobo
- Acting Assistant Secretary Mallory
- Assistant Secretary Mann
- Ambassador John Dreier
- Mr. C.A. Boonstra
After speaking briefly on several other subjects,2 the Brazilian Foreign Minister continued his review of the political situation in the hemisphere and spoke in more detail about the three countries which he considers the trouble spots. With respect to Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, he said that the principal issues are rooted in the deep personal animosity between Trujillo3 and Betancourt. He said that, along with Betancourt, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Arcaya also has suffered much as an exile, and from Dominican attacks, and this results in a situation where emotion is more powerful than reason. In handling this situation at the San Jose Conference, he said that the only tactic is to permit the fire to flare up in words and speeches at the beginning, and patiently wait for it to subside before moving forward [Page 785] with constructive action. Venezuela has requested the support of Brazil in breaking diplomatic relations but Brazil is not in favor of this. The Secretary agreed that maintenance of diplomatic missions has a useful purpose, although individual nations may wish to break relations, in addition to those which have already done so.
With respect to Cuba, the Brazilian Foreign Minister agreed that this is the most serious problem in the hemisphere. The Secretary explained the United States view that the hemisphere problem posed by Communist penetration of Cuba is of far more importance than the bilateral problems of Cuba with the United States, mentioning specifically that the latter are principally the expropriation of property and the propaganda and insults directed toward the United States. In this connection, the Secretary stated the appreciation of the United States Government of Brazil’s offer, along with Mexico and Canada, to provide its good offices in trying to aid a solution of the bilateral problems. Because of the greater importance of the hemisphere problems, the Secretary said that it appeared necessary first to seek a solution in this area and subsequently the United States would be anxious to avail itself of any opportunities to find appropriate solutions to the bilateral problems. The U.S. does not intend to bring up its bilateral problems with Cuba at San Jose, although there is of course a possibility that such action may be forced by Cuba if it follows through with its apparent intent of accusing the U.S. of economic aggression.
The Foreign Minister indicated his agreement with these views and added that Brazil had not expected anything much to come from its proffer of good offices at this time. The Mexicans had requested the Brazilians to join in making such an offer, and he had thought it would be best to go along to see what might be done. He had instructed Ambassador Moreira Salles to make the offer but not to press the United States on the matter.4
At this point the Foreign Minister said that he had jotted down four points as his policy guidance at the San Jose Conference. These are: (1) Brazil will discuss its positions and proposals in advance with the United States before taking positions or introducing resolutions at the Conference; (2) Brazil recognizes the need for actions to counter the Communist penetration of the hemisphere as being the principal objective of the Conference; (3) Brazil will strive to find the base for developing better relations between Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, and between Cuba and the countries with which Cuba has bilateral disputes; and (4) the need to seek social and political stability [Page 786] through economic development. Brazil will introduce a resolution on the latter point but will not go into detail or seek discussion. The resolution will be pointed toward the Bogota Conference.
In the course of these remarks, the Minister asked what the U.S. had in mind as to collective action in the Dominican and Cuban problems. In particular he referred to the possibility of economic sanctions. The Secretary pointed out that the OAS, as a regional organization, would require approval of the UN Security Council for such collective measures. It would seem more practical for the San Jose meetings to make recommendations to member states which the latter could implement bilaterally. At present, the U.S. is not thinking in terms of sanctions but is proposing several resolutions which it thinks will contribute toward resolving the problems. Draft copies of the resolutions were given to Ambassador Moreira Salles for the Foreign Minister.5 The Foreign Minister acknowledged receipt of the drafts but did not comment further on them. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister agreed that it is premature now to attempt to forecast the results of the conferences.
In response to an inquiry by the Secretary, the Brazilian Foreign Minister made clear that Brazil will not go into economic matters in any way that might overlap the work of the Bogota Conference. The Secretary in this connection pointed out that Mr. Dillon hopes to bring to the Bogota Conference a statement of the plans of the United States for contributing more effectively toward economic development. It is hoped that the views of Congress on such participation will be available for the Bogota meeting.
Following up on the last point, the Brazilian Foreign Minister emphasized the great importance which President Kubitschek attaches to Operation Pan America and the urgent need, in President Kubitschek’s view, that the United States develop its plan within the framework of OPA. He stressed that the Bogota Conference must be a success. Failure at this time would be disastrous for social and political stability. Because of this, the Minister said, he thought that prior understandings between Brazil and the United States are essential in order to prevent a failure of the Bogota Conference. Accordingly, he wished to propose consultations between the two countries so that they could reach agreement prior to the meeting. In this connection, the Minister stated Brazilian views to the effect that the Committee of 9 had not been much of a success. The United States had failed to show initiative and had abstained on items of importance to Brazil. Such differences must be resolved, and agreements reached before the Committee of 21 meets at Bogota.
[Page 787]Mr. Mann said he thought agreements could be worked out in consultations prior to Bogota, and accordingly the holding of such consultations is acceptable to him.
[1 paragraph (3 lines of source text) not declassified]
The Brazilian Foreign Minister stated his satisfaction with the conversation and stated his appreciation of the reception and luncheon with the Secretary. In saying goodbye, he indicated that he would be leaving for San Jose on Saturday evening.6 Ambassador Moreira Salles will remain in Washington.
- Source: Department of State, Secretary’s Memoranda of Conversation: Lot 64 D 199. Confidential. Drafted by Boonstra. Printed from an uninitialed copy. Foreign Minister Láfer returned from a visit to Portugal via the United States en route to the Foreign Ministers Meeting at San José.↩
- Memoranda of conversation between Secretary Herter and Foreign Minister Láfer, August 12, on the subjects “Brazil To Curb Soviet-Sino Artists and Cultural Vistors” and “Brazilian Foreign Minister Asks Support of Stroessner Regime in Paraguay” are ibid.↩
- Generalissimo Rafael L. Trujillo Molina.↩
- Moreira Salles offered the assistance of Brazil in settling disputes between the United States and Cuba in a conversation with Secretary Herter, August 3. (Department of State, Secretary’s Memoranda of Conversation: Lot 64 D 199)↩
- Regarding the San José meetings, August 16–29, see vol. vi, p. 1060.↩
- August 13.↩