832.76/11–2544: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Brazil (Caffery)
3523. Admiral Leahy21 has informed Department that agreement between Brazilian and United States Navies for use of supplementary radio stations at Recife, Bahia and Belém is based on necessity for [Page 597] their use for Brazilian national defense and will terminate at end of war with Germany. To insure use and custody beyond that time, Navy Department has authorized Commander Fourth Fleet to consult you in order that, in absence of important contrary reasons, negotiations may be commenced to amend agreement to insure control of these three stations until conclusion of world peace or until United States Navy believes conditions warrant release whichever may be earlier. Commander is warned however to avoid commitments which might prevent further negotiations for post-war custody and use by United States Navy. Since such post-war use and custody of station at Recife will doubtless be desired by Navy it is urged by Joint Chiefs of Staff that negotiations be undertaken by Department whenever such action is deemed appropriate in order that permission may be obtained for long term lease or in the alternative for lease of shorter duration with renewal options.
After consulting Commander Fourth Fleet you are requested in your discretion to make appropriate representations to Brazilian Government with view to accomplishing this purpose. Reep Department fully advised.
- Adm. William D. Leahy, Chief of Staff to the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy.↩