مؤتمر ريو دي جانيرو لعام 1942 واثره على العلاقات العسكرية الامريكية ـ البرازيلية

Abstract

Following the German assault on Port Harbour in 1941, the US State Department expressed the Governing Council of the League of American States its intention to convene a meeting on January 1, 1942, aimed at severing ties between the American republics and the Axis powers. The meeting saw participation from 26 members of the United Nations in Washington, with the delegation being spearheaded by US Deputy Secretary of State Sumner Welles. Brazil's stance at the conference was notably unclear, as it expressed support for the concept of maintaining unity among the Americas, yet refrained from committing to any concrete assurances to the Washington administration. In return, the latter had extended promises of military and economic assistance to Brazil, along with the opportunity for its forces to engage in World War II at American expense, given Brazil's status as a demilitarised nation. In exchange, Brazil would grant permission to establish military bases in its northeastern Natal region, facilitating military operations in North Africa and enabling the launch of aircraft to combat the Axis powers. This arrangement is particularly strategic, as the region represents the easternmost point in Latin America, while also serving as a conduit for the importation of essential resources. The initial phases of their collaboration marked the commencement of their relations. The document indicates that Brazil successfully secured the approval of the American administration to equip its forces with weaponry. Subsequently, on February 28, 1942, Brazil was granted the authority to oversee the air base in Natal, thereby establishing a complex intertwining of military relations between the two entities.