724.3415/4129: Telegram
The Ambassador in Brazil (Gibson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:40 p.m.]
224. Department’s 125, September 14, 5 p.m. Confident there is no ground for worry that Brazil will act impetuously and withdraw from mediation without consulting us. They came into this joint effort because of us and I am confident they will not withdraw from it except in agreement with us.
There is distinct irritation tinged with discouragement. However, the statement made by the Minister was not based on momentary irritation but on his desire to keep us advised as to his estimate of the situation. He felt, in view of news despatches that Lamas was on his own initiative turning the matter over to the League, that there was a definite possibility the United States and Brazil might find their participation automatically terminated. He also feels there is a possibility that if Lamas continues to act without previous consultation we will sooner or later be involved in embarrassing difficulties.
Despite annoyance the Minister has shown restraint and says that Brazil wishes at all costs to avoid antagonizing the Argentine Government. [Page 208] I have taken the stand throughout that we must exhaust all the possibilities of the present method of negotiation, but the Brazilian attitude has not called for any pressure in this sense. In any event I think you may depend on being fully consulted before any steps will be taken.