832.00 Revolutions/244: Telegram
The Chargé in Brazil ( Thurston ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:10 p.m.]
55. A Presidential manifesto issued last night asserts that the Government has the support of the Navy and the local Federal troops, as well as of all the States. It adds that Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná and Minas Geraes will collaborate in military operations against São Paulo. If this should be substantiated and no defections occur in the local military establishment the Government may dominate the São Paulo movement, which would appear at present to be supported only by Matto Grosso. The blockade of Santos together with land operations on Paraná and Minas Geraes–Rio de Janeiro borders would favor Government arms. However, unbiased authoritative information on all these factors is still lacking.
[Page 392]In refutation of the “pro-constitutionalization” character of the São Paulo movement the manifesto points out that an electoral law has been promulgated; a date set for the elections; electoral boards created; credits opened for electoral expenses; and a commission appointed (yesterday) to draft the new Constitution.