711.32/193: Telegram
The Ambassador in Brazil (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8 p.m.]
5476. For Duggan. In connection with my telegram 5462, November 24, 6 p.m.,72 Colonel Hobbs73 tells me that he notes some apprehension in the Brazilian War Department that we may be losing interest in the Brazilian Expeditionary Force. Also Colonel Moulton,74 who arrived a few days ago, brings word from Washington that there is a tendency in some quarters to slow up in connection with supplying Lend-Lease material to Brazil.
There is an intensified whispering campaign going on against us now all over the country, growing out of the pressure of so many thousands of us in Brazil. The charge is being made that we are here to stay, that this is conquered territory, and so on. (Third, fourth and fifth paragraphs of my 5419, November 22.)75
No one in the highest quarters really believes these stories but the more people in the lower reaches who believe them, the more difficult it is for those in the higher places. I repeat that the stories up to now have had no effect on President Vargas and most of the important members of his Government, who continue to give us all the cooperation we ask for.
[Page 648]Also, I would like again to commend the highly satisfactory position, attitude and cooperation of our own military and naval authorities here.
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