455. Telegram From the Embassy in Brazil to the Department of State1

8069. Subject: Treaty of Tlatelolco. Ref State 225187.2

1. (C—Entire text)

2. In conversation with Brazilian Foreign Minister on September 11, I inquired whether statement by Foreign Ministry spokesman3 on ratification by non-Latin American countries of protocols to Treaty implied that Brazil might be willing to waive Treaty into effect once that had happened. His reply was negative. He said that all requirements must be met before Brazil would consider Treaty in force with respect to Brazil. He ticked these requirements off and they included Cuban adherence. He smiled and said that once Soviet Union and other non-Latin countries adhere, Soviet Union might just tell Cuba to ratify also. He said that he was aware Cuba was using Guantanamo as bargaining chip. He offered no basis for his comment except the interest of the USSR in control of proliferation and strong influence of USSR on Cuba.

Sayre
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, D790422–0125. Confidential. Sent for information to Buenos Aires and Moscow.
  2. In telegram 225187 to Brasilia, August 27, the Department of State said that given “recent movement on the Treaty by other countries” including the Soviet Union, the United States, and France, “Dept believes this may be a useful occasion to raise this issue in very low-key fashion with appropriate GOB officials to ascertain GOB position on this matter. At its discretion, Embassy is also authorized to encourage positive action by Brazil to waive conditions to have the Treaty enter into effect.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, D790392–0974)
  3. Not found.