832.00 Revolutions/260: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Brazil (Thurston)
49. Your 62, July 14, 2 p.m. If Santos is in the control of insurgents the Brazilian Government would have no right to close this port by decree as reported in your telegram of July 12, 9 a.m., unless this decree is enforced by an effective blockade. As it appears from [Page 401] your telegram 65, of July 15, that the Brazilian authorities have given clearance to the Angeles and the Delsud, no occasion is presented for determining the legal effect of the foregoing decree. If, however, on a future occasion the Brazilian Government should attempt in pursuance of this decree to interfere with an American ship attempting to enter or leave Santos, you should endeavor immediately to ascertain whether an effective blockade is maintained in order to determine whether an occasion for protest may have arisen.
The Department considers it inexpedient for you to obtain any formal opinion from the Foreign Office on this subject as indicated in paragraph 2 of your telegram No. 62.