832.852/92
Memorandum by President Roosevelt to the Secretary of State
During the last two or three days, I have had several conversations in regard to Argentina, Bolivia and neighbors which make me more disturbed in regard to the future. It is not yet proved in the sense that we have full documentary evidence, but I believe that the plot is more widespread than most people believe; that it has direct ramifications in Paraguay and that a great deal of preliminary work has been done in Uruguay, Chile, and Peru.
Therefore, I am in hearty accord with the thought that this trend should be nipped in the bud …
At the same time, I think it is essential that we made a move at once to build up the strength of Brazil. This should cover American arms and munitions and possibly more Army instructors …
Furthermore, I am inclined to think that we should let Brazil have some Lend-Lease cargo ships to take the place of the many Brazilian ships which have been sunk.60
It would be possible to pursue one of two courses—either announce the whole thing publicly, or let it leak out—which would occur in a very short time.