128. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Brazil 1

1776. Embtels 14992 and 1500.3

1.
While approach outlined point 7 reftel4 which you propose taking with Brazilians appears satisfactory, we believe you should make it clear to them that there is considerable pressure from governments which are urging positive action on Cuban problem for obligatory rupture of diplomatic and economic relations under Article 8 Rio Treaty. Inclusion reference to diplomatic break in draft forwarded WIROM 17335 was in fact made after preliminary consultation Bogota with FonMin Caicedo and President Lleras during which they suggested this as a logical reaction to recent frank Castro declarations. At later meeting on December 18 they read to us and handed us a resolution prescribing rupture both diplomatic and economic relations. Caicedo subsequently informed us in Washington that several governments favor these more drastic sanctions.
2.
USG desires promote widest possible agreement in advance of MFM on actions which will achieve moral isolation Castro regime and contribute to defensive capacity independent OAS governments protect themselves against Castro communist subversive design and activities. While we anxious consult to maximum with reluctant governments, USG obviously does not wish to put itself in forefront in opposing desire for strong action of governments deeply concerned and perhaps more immediately affected by Castro communist threat than those which abstained December 4 vote. Since Brazil and others of these governments [Page 281] apparently now recognize need for OAS action, we would hope they will themselves make genuine effort convince governments desiring strong action that less drastic OAS steps necessary and likely in long run to have greater effect in counteracting danger.
3.
We would be most grateful opportunity review carefully draft, which as mentioned item 5 of reftel, Dantas indicated he would prepare, and hope also Brazilians will consult on such draft with other governments particularly Colombia. From what we know here of Brazilian viewpoint as previously outlined, it appears Brazilian draft, as Embtel suggests, likely include much of substantive material now contained in US combined draft (WIROM 1733).
4.
Consultation with FonMin Dantas should be highly useful in achieving better understanding respective viewpoints and hope he will be able visit Washington during week beginning December 31.
5.
FYI only. Both Colombian revision US draft forwarded WIROM 1733 and more drastic Colombian draft providing merely for break in diplomatic and economic relations discussed with and handed to Argentine President and FonMin on strictly confidential basis December 24. Argentines promised give President Kennedy by January 2 draft resolution containing their views on appropriate action. End FYI.
Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 371.04/12-2461. Confidential. Drafted by Jamison, cleared by Pezzullo, and approved by Woodward.
  2. Telegram 1499, December 24, reported a conversation with Foreign Minister Dantas and stated that his position had “progressed substantially.” (Ibid.)
  3. Telegram 1500, December 24, expressed concern at the latest draft resolution on Cuba. Ambassador Gordon stated that he had been making progress in his efforts to bring Brazil to a course in line with U.S. views, but “without previous warning, I find that our own position has apparently moved forward a good deal without giving Brazil or other southern South American Governments a chance to catch up.” (Ibid.)
  4. Paragraph 7 of telegram 1500 urged that the draft resolution should not be circulated in any way until Gordon and Deputy Assistant Secretary Goodwin, who had just arrived in Rio de Janeiro, could fully explore the Brazilian position.
  5. Not found. A draft resolution calling on Cuba to renounce Marxism-Leninism, break with the Sino-Soviet bloc, and cease all attempts to subvert or overthrow the governments of other American republics, and calling on the governments of the American republics to break diplomatic relations with Cuba unless it complied within 30 days was circulated to U.S. Embassies in Latin America in circular airgram 715, December 22, which stated that it was a “hypothetical draft” intended for “possible use” by the Colombian Government. (Department of State, Central Files, 371.04/12-2261)