Office of the Historian

135. Telegram 177779 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Brazil1

Washington, July 17, 1976, 1736Z.

177779. Subject: Call on Assistant Secy. Shlaudeman by Amb. Pinheiro.

1. In initial courtesy call July 16 on Asst. Secy. Shlaudeman, Amb. Pinheiro focused attention on two subjects: human rights and US trade policy.

2. Human rights. Pinheiro said that he considered this to be the most difficult part of his mission. As illustration he noted that when Israel goes into Uganda as rescue mission we applaud but when Brazil and others try to combat terrorism and subversion then there are accusations of violation of human rights. The idealism of the US is shared by the people of Brazil but it is manipulated by people who are the victims of organized campaigns. If Brazil had not taken strong measures, the problems would be more difficult now than in Argentina. Professional diplomats understand the problem but many of the politicians do not. This is now leading to congressional restrictions that will lead to difficulties in our relations. What does Congress want, he asked? There is no national policy of torture in Brazil; this does not exclude low level excesses but the perpetrators are punished.

3. Trade policy. Pinheiro stated that the US Trade Act is changing this country into one of the most closed societies in the world. He cited textiles and particularly specialty steels. He agreed these were not vital to Brazil but the amplification of this policy could disrupt world trade. Actions such as those on specialty steels are particularly difficult to understand in the light of US economic recovery. Pinheiro said that the GOB recognizes that the US is doing everything possible to diminish the effects on Brazil, especially following Secretary Simon’s visit, but Brazil is deeply concerned about the overall implications.

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4. Assistant Secretary Shlaudeman commented that the struggle for free trade is constant. He noted that the President had taken courageous decisions in this regard and that Brazilian interests have received favorable treatment. He urged that we be alert to these issues so that they can be discussed in their early stages.

5. Pinheiro said that the latest example of a restrictive mentality is a letter in early June from Sen. Long to the President requesting radically increased tariffs on imported sugar. The US sugar market is marginal to Brazil but there will be serious consequences for others if Long’s request is granted. (We are checking into this.)

6. In conclusion Amb. Pinheiro said he did not wish to be misunderstood. He recognizes that US-Brazilian relations are now enjoying a better climate of mutual understanding than in many years.

Kissinger

  1. Summary: Shlaudeman and Pinheiro discussed human rights and trade policy. Shlaudeman defended U.S. Government efforts to open up trade between the two countries.

    Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760276–0761. Confidential. Drafted by Zimmermann and approved by Shlaudeman. Shlaudeman’s references to Ford’s “courageous decisions” on free trade and “favorable treatment” of Brazilian interests relate to the President’s decision to forego tariff increases on imports of footwear, referred to in the source note to Document 133. Senator Long’s June 17 letter to Ford requested protection from imports and subsidies for domestic sugar producers. In telegram 178637 to Brasília, July 19, Seidman informed Long that no protection or subsidies would be forthcoming. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760278–0378)

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