UNITED STATES DELEGATION TO THE SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION
October 31, 1952 (Typed November 4, 1952)
SUBJECT: Dr. Adhemar de Barros of Brazil Pays Courtesy Visit to the Secretary
PARTICIPANTS: The Secretary
Dr. Adhemar de Barros Mr. Erlindo Sabrano, Vice Governor of the State of Sao Paulo Mr. Milton K. Wells, United States Delegation
At the request of the Brazilian Delegation, and following the Department's recommendation, the Secretary received Dr. Adhemar de Barros, an influential figure in Brazilian politics and business who is expected to run for the Presidency in 1955. Dr. de Barros was accompanied by Mr. Erlindo Sabrano, Vice Governor of the State of Sao Paulo. Mr. Pinto of the Brazilian Delegation accompanied them to the Mission, but was not present at the interview.
Dr. de Barros first introduced Mr. Sabrano, explaining that he had wished him also to have the pleasure of meeting the Secretary. Mr. Sabrano does not speak English and took no part in the subsequent conversations. Dr. de Barros expressed appreciation of the Secretary's kindness in receiving him at such a busy time. He expressed regret that he had been absent on a trip to Europe when the Secretary made his recent trip to Brazil. Otherwise he would have had the pleasure of extending hospitality. The Secretary commented on the most favorable impression which his Brazilian visit had made on him and complimented Brazil and the State of Sao Paulo on the evidences of progressiveness which he had seen.
Dr. de Barros said that he was a physician by profession, not a politician, and had entered politics only because he felt he could be of service to his country. He was confident that he will become President in 1955. As he put it, he has sixteen Governors "in his hands" and only an act of God can prevent him from being elected. He hoped he could line up the other four Governors. In a jocular vein the Secretary remarked that he evidently was a politician.
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Dr. de Barros stated that while in Berlin he had become the recipient of valuable information which he thinks may hold the "key to the Iranian situation". However he did not wish to take the time to go into the matter in view of the Secretary's busy schedule but would like to do so some time after the elections. The Secretary did not encourage him, and the conversation turned again to pleasantries.
No other matters of interest were discussed. The visit lasted approximately fifteen minutes.
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After the interview, Dr. de Barros confided to Mr. Wells that the mysterious information which he thinks may provide the "key" to the Iranian situation came indirectly from Mossadegh himself. However, he declined to elaborate further. He again indicated that he may try at a later date to get in touch with the Secretary or some high official of the United States Government regarding this matter.
COPIES TO: U.S. Delegation, 7th GA Department of State Mr. Ross Distribution to be Mr. Popper determined by S/S Mr. Taylor Secretary General Mr. Wells Reference
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