Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–11, Part 2, Documents on South America, 1973–1976

137. Telegram 8010 From the Embassy in Brazil to the Department of State¹

Brasília, September 16, 1976, 1225Z.

8010. Subject: Invitation for U.S. Visit to Brasília Chief of Army Intelligence Center. Refs: A. DA WashDC//DAMI–FLT//1018137 Sep 76. B. State 209192.

1. Reftel A indicates US Army Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence (ACSI) is considering extending an invitation to BG Antonio da Silva Campos, Chief of the Brazilian Army Intelligence Center (CIE), for a visit to the US under the ACSI G–2 (Intelligence) Tours Program. Campos has been in his present position less than a year and seems to be President Geisel’s choice to tighten control over key Brazilian security agency that acted in past with considerable autonomy and has been identified with some human rights violations. Position of CIE Chief, despite change of personalities and Geisel’s determination to end mistreatment, has not yet lost its association in public eye with past human rights abuses.

2. In light of our current concern about “Operation Condor,” we are particularly uneasy about inviting at this time director of major intelligence agency which may become extensively involved in coordinated, trans-national pursuit of political dissenters. Fact of visit, which could hardly be kept secret, could mislead leaders of Brazilian and other Southern Cone intelligence services about firmness of US opposition to certain aspects of Condor, and possibly be misinterpreted by human rights proponents in US, Brazil itself, or in third countries. Even if Operation Condor question were resolved quickly, we think invitation should at least be deferred to allow more time to see how Campos, and CIE under his direction, will perform on human rights. Pending Department’s review of the situation, DAO has been asked to hold up any approach on the invitation as requested by reftel A.

3. If on other hand Department determines other interests justify invitation for Campos at this time, we would urge that presence in US be used to make strong and candid pitch to him at high ACSI level about A) US concern over Operation Condor; and B) depth of general US commitment to human rights.

Crimmins

1. Summary: The Embassy recommended that an invitation for the head of the Brazilian Army Intelligence Center to visit the United States be deferred in light of concerns over human rights and Operation Condor.

   Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Box 11, Brasília. Secret; Roger Channel. Telegram 209192 to Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Santiago, and La Paz, August 23, is Document 241.