710 Consultation 4/8–447: Telegram
The Ambasador in Brazil (Pawley) to the Secretary of State
1037. Department’s telegram 849, August 1, 9:55 a.m., sent Habana as 371; Department’s telegram 850, August 1, 7 p.m.56 The injection of question of operation of Section 202(e) Sugar Act 1948 into considerations of Rio Conference several weeks after passage of measure and in spite of assurances by the Department that Act does not constitute economic threat against any country is probably conscious effort on part Cuban Ambassador to create confusion and misunderstandings which might prejudice outcome Conference.
It is important to remember that Ambassador Belt was member of Left-Wing group which supported electoral campaign of President Grau San Martin and that since going to Washington as Ambassador has, I am reliably informed, adopted policy of steady opposition to hemisphere defense pact and Rio Conference.
Department may find that in several countries of this hemisphere small difficulties and problems which might cause suspicion and lack of confidence have been and are still being created by Left-Wing groups, with strong support from local Communist organizations, hoping that they might endanger success of Conference which is so sincerely and anxiously desired by majority countries this hemisphere. It is significant that local Communist organ Tribuna Popular has been only publication to seize upon Belt’s protest and use it along with their other propaganda against hemispheric understanding”. If this particular act had not been available as disruptive weapon another cduld have been fabricated.
[Page 33]I have transmitted to Foreign Minister the contents of Department’s telegrams under reference and also Department’s telegram 855, August 2, 4 p.m.57 I believe that ulterior motives behind this controversy are becoming apparent to Brazilian Government and that their support may be expected in preventing this question from hindering successful conclusion of Conference. Foreign Minister indicated he no longer fears Cuban problem will present formidable obstacle and added that he would do anything he could to counteract any misinformation on this subject brought to him by other Chiefs of Mission.