832.6363/12–2447: Telegram

The Chargé in Brazil (Key) to the Secretary of State

confidential

1740. Under pressure from President Dutra urgent solution Brazil’s petroleum problem General Barreto, President National Petroleum Council, has approached Embassy requesting following information:

1.
Can U. S. Government charter or sell to Brazil up to four fuel oil tankers; if so how many, carrying capacity, what price.
2.
Can U. S. guarantee or assure Brazil’s minimum requirements petroleum products first 6 months 1948, amounts as submitted by Brazilian Embassy Washington to Office International Trade July 1947 in reply to latter’s request for such information.

Would appreciate Department’s comment soonest.

Key