Critical Oral History Project

Critical Oral History Project Brasil-Argentina, 1979-82 / 85-87 DOCUMENTS FROM THE ARGENTINE EMBASSY IN BRASILIA AND MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS REGARDING BRAZILIAN AFFAIRS (1982-1983) INDEX

1. DOCUMENT ON THE STATE OF ARGENTINE-BRAZILIAN NUCLEAR COOPERATION SINCE THE TREATIES OF 1980 (Jan-March 1982) ……….Page 2

2. ARTICLE WITH DECLARATIONS OF MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SARAIVA GUERREIRO REGARDING MALVINAS (July 1982) …Page 4

3. DOCUMENT ON FIGUEIREDOS PROFILE MADE FOR ARGENTINE PRESIDENT REYNALDO BIGNONE (end of 1982 – january 1983) …………..Page 5

4. DOCUMENT ON FIGUEIREDO´S SPEECH TO BE PRONOUNCED IN HIS ENCOUNTER WITH PRESIDENT BIGNONE (January 1983) ……………. ….Page 7

5. ARTICLE WITH ARGENTINE´S AMBASSADOR IN BRASILIA DECLARATIONS REGARDING RELATIONS WITH BRAZIL (February 1983) ………………………………………………………………………………………. Page 10

6. ARGENTINA-BRAZIL JOINT PRESS STATEMENT (July 1983) ….Page 12

7. ARTICLE WITH CAMILION´S DECLARATIONS REGARDING BRITISH- BRAZILIAN AIRCRAFT LANDINGS PROBLEM (possibly July 1983) …….Page 13

8. ARTICLE THAT POINTS OUT ARGENTINE PRESSURE OVER BRAZIL REGARDING BRITISH-BRAZILIAN AIRCRAFT LANDINGS PROBLEM (July 1983) ……………………………... ……………………………………………...….Page 14

9. ARTICLE WITH PRESIDENT FIGUEIREDO´S STATEMENTS ON NUCLEAR WEAPONS AND ARGENTINA (November 1983) ……………. ….Page 15

1 Critical Oral History Project Brasil-Argentina, 1979-82 / 85-87

DOCUMENT ON THE STATE OF ARGENTINE-BRAZILIAN NUCLEAR COOPERATION SINCE THE TREATIES OF 1980 (Jan-March 1982)

To: Chief of Cabinet of Argentine Chancellor From: No data Subject: Information gathered on the occasion of the visit of His Excellency Chancellor Dr. D. Nicanor Costa Mendez to the Federative Republic of Brazil on the dayss 3, 4 and 5 of March, 1982 Date: Between January and March 1982 Type: Secret President in Argentina: Reynaldo BIGNONE Minister of Foreign Affairs: Nicanor COSTA MÉNDEZ President in Brazil: Joao FIGUEIREDO Minister of Foreign Affairs: Ramiro Saraiva GUERREIRO

Why it matters: It shows the state of nuclear cooperation between Brazil and Argentina since the nuclear treaties of 1980, and the relations between the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Comission (CNEN) and the Argentine Atomic Energy Comission (CNEA)

On May 17, 1980, during the visit of President Figueiredo to Buenos Aires, took place the signature of the Agreement on Cooperation for Development and Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy, whose goal is to cooperate in research, development and reactor technology and nuclear power plants, production of fuel, radioisotopes, materials and equipment, mineral exploration and extraction of nuclear and basic research.

This understanding is of special political importance and has been exhibited by both countries as a categorical proof of the fallacy of those who invoked the competition between Argentina and Brazil to limit cooperation in the nuclear field.

It also has the distinction of being the only existing agreement between developing countries that has led to real collaboration in the fields of nuclear-power industry.

Under the possibilities created by this agreement in May 1980, the National Atomic Energy Commission signed cooperation agreements with the National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN) of Brazil and the company NUCLEBRAS. In this last case it has also been signed an industrial cooperation protocol.

The collaboration between CNEA and CNEN has been directed initially through training of human resources and exchange of nuclear information, consolidated in the two "execution protocols" that were signed in Brasilia in last August.

Furthermore, the CNEA has finalized three deals with NUCLEBRAS, whose firm was advertised in Buenos Aires on May 27, 1981.

One of those deals is the rental of 240 tons of uranium to Brazil.The first 120 tons were delivered during 1981 and the total amount agreed upon will be provided in the course of two years. The importance of this operation is a part of the benefit obtained from the excess production of uranium, but more important is the emergence of Argentina in the market of suppliers of uranium, which helps to improve our relative position as buyers of equipment.

The second deal is the manufacture of 160,000 meters of zircaloy tubes for the manufacture of fuel elements to be used in the Brazilian power reactors. This operation is typical of the nuclear power industry and, if the contract is developed in the manner provided by CNEA, Brazil will depend on Argentina to ensure the operation of its electricity-generating reactors.

Finally, under the preference given by the CNEN to NUCLEP (NUCLEBRAS subsidiary) as a subcontractor of KAFTWERKEUNION (KWV) for the manufacture of reactor Atucha II, the Brazilian company won a portion of the machining of the pressure vessel.

Although the contract is not economically significant, Brazil is very interested to justify to domestic public opinion the investment made to NUCLEP.

It should be noted that this is a single supply, so it does not generate its own dependency of continuity, and is basically a highly refined metallurgical work, which is not exclusive to nuclear technology.

From the talks held in 1980 and 1981, two issues have been pending in which some progress could be sought in the upcoming weeks. One is an agreement between CNEA and the CNEN to manufacture tubular fuel elements for an Argonaut-type reactor.

The second is the sale of leaching technology in shape of batteries to NUCLEBRAS, which was not agreed basically due to a difference in prices, but today we present the favorable circumstances arising from the delay of operation of a plant that Brazil is building, to process the extarcted mineral to its own deposits.

This site presents the complex particularity of having three kinds of mineral combined with zirconium, which difficults its processing. However, the CNEA is able to give Brazil the analysis of samples in Argentina, to ensure the quality of the mineral and even process it and return it in batteries, with the transfer of the technology used.

Notably, leaching technology has been developed in our country at a high cost. The price of the operation described has been estimated at U.S. $1,200,000, and as expressed by

3 Critical Oral History Project Brasil-Argentina, 1979-82 / 85-87 officials of the CNEA, it would be necessary to receive payment in foreign currency. It could be taken into consideration an exchange for items that are considered relevant. ***

ARTICLE WITH DECLARATIONS OF MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SARAIVA GUERREIRO REGARDING MALVINAS (July 1982)

To: Ministry of Foreign Affairs From: Argentine Embassy in Brasilia Subject: “The self-praise of Itamaraty”; Article published by Carlos Conde in Jornal de Brasilia Date: December 21, 1982 Type: Unclassified President in Argentina: Reynaldo BIGNONE Minister of Foreign Affairs: Juan Ramón AGUIRRE LANARI President in Brazil: Joao FIGUEIREDO Minister of Foreign Affairs: Ramiro Saraiva GUERREIRO Signed: Hugo CAMINOS

Why it matters: It´s the annual speech of the Itamaraty Chancellor by Saraiva Guerreiro pointing out Brazilian actions during Malvinas conflict

Main notes:

Consistency is seen, by the [brazilian] Chancellor [Saraiva Guerreiro], in all points of foreign policy action in the year 82. He cites, with more observations, the two main aspects of such consistency: the Falklands and the economic crisis. The first of these problems forced Brazil to a difficult start, which raised some internal questions but ended up being the most appropriate path in such circumstances. The Brazilian position in this case was accentuated in two aspects. First, it showed the respect for a secular position, which recognizes the argentine´s right of sovereignty over the archipelago. Second, it preached the recommendation to find a peaceful solution. The first observation became necessary because Argentina launched the hands of the force, believing that the path of negotiations in forums was exhausted. The Brazilian position in the Malvinas case, aside of showing respect to principles, took into account the palpable reality that Argentina is a neighbor, our largest and most important neighbor. A very sensitive nation, with whom relations were very difficult during most of the Itaipu episode. This sensitive issue was resolved peacefully, after an extremely difficult understanding, which sealed the peace between Buenos Aires and Brasilia. It wouldn´t be of any good sense to revive old rivalries.

4 Critical Oral History Project Brasil-Argentina, 1979-82 / 85-87 ***

DOCUMENT ON FIGUEIREDOS PROFILE MADE FOR ARGENTINE PRESIDENT REYNALDO BIGNONE (end of 1982 – january 1983)

To: Argentine President Reyanldo Bignone From: Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs Subject: Figueiredo´s Profile Date: end of 1982; January 1983 Type: Unclassified President in Argentina: Reynaldo BIGNONE Minister of Foreign Affairs: Juan Ramón AGUIRRE LANARI President in Brazil: Joao FIGUEIREDO Minister of Foreign Affairs: Ramiro Saraiva GUERREIRO

Why it matters: It´s the view of the argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Brazil ´s president Joao Figueiredo´s profile, for argentine president Bignone, and their encounter. It portraits Figueiredo as a friend of Argentina after a period of bad relations with the Geisel-Silveira government.

Main notes:

(...) [President Figueiredo] is basically a man of order. This attitude is not incompatible with the sincerity of his democratic political positions, largely inherited from his father, figure that he admires, General of Sao Paulo who was the Chief of the 1932 movement against Getúlio Vargas, whose defeat led to the exile in Argentina. (...)

The President of Brazil has a personal and genuine sympathy for Argentina. That is also paternal inheritance. Figueiredo holds a deep appreciation for the country that welcomed his father and his brothers, in which they took their studies (two of them are active generals). He remembers well the cycle that he lived in our country, as a teenager. He holds the greatest sympathy for Buenos Aires, where he lived in the building of the Confitería del Molino. He likes the Argentine customs and is a fervent fan of tango, as often happens with the Brazilian militray of his generation.

That love for our country, in fact, worked as an accelerator in his policy of rapprochement, such as the invincible antipathy professed by General Geisel acted as a brake on an understanding that the former president considered reasonably fit.

PRESIDENTIAL ISSUES FOR DIALOGUE WITH OPEN AGENDA IN FOZ DE IGUAZU

I. - Regional Issues

-Express that we are aware of the pressures exerted by Britain on Latin American countries to break the regional solidarity achieved. Cases of Chile and Uruguay. (Annex I) -Emphasize the importance to the region to consolidate unity on issues of common interest.

-Declare Argentina's decision not to intervene in internal affairs of Bolivia; refer glowingly to the renegotiation of the debt that Brazil has just given to that country and explain the steps that Argentina has made in this field. (Annex II)

-Analyze briefly concern about subversion in Peru.

-Emphasize the need to maintain the unity of approach and coordination among the guarantors of the Rio Protocol of 1942 (Item Peru-Ecuador). (Annex III)

-Reiterate the disregardless position of the Argentina on Central America.

II. - Global policy issues

-Point out the importance attached to the meeting of Group of 77 in Buenos Aires (Annex IV)

-Expose the role that Argentina hopes to play in the Non Aligned Movement (Annex V)

-Inter-American Relations

-South-Africa

-Middle East

III.- Bilateral Affairs

-Express appreciation for the excellent bilateral relations and, in relation with the transition to democracy that takes place in both countries, the purpose of seeking to maintain and enrich the current understanding.

-In that order, point that efforts should doubled to strengthen existing ties and creating new ones.The two foreign ministries should conduct consultations to explore new avenues of action.

-A very suitable area would be the joint exploitation of tourism potential in both countries (as for instance the Iguazú Falls) (Annex VI)

-Ensure the exchange and cooperation in the energy field. Provision of Argentine gas to Brazil. Electrical Interconnection Agreement to be signed during the interview. Garabí. Nuclear Energy (Annex VIII)

-Convenience of boosting mutual trade. *** DOCUMENT ON FIGUEIREDO´S SPEECH TO BE PRONOUNCED IN HIS ENCOUNTER WITH PRESIDENT BIGNONE (January 1983)

To: Argentine President Reyanldo Bignone From: Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs Subject: Speech to be delivered by His Excellency Mr. Joao Baptista Figueiredo, president of the Federative Republic of Brazil Date: January 13, 1983 Type: No data President in Argentina: Reynaldo BIGNONE Minister of Foreign Affairs: Juan Ramón AGUIRRE LANARI President in Brazil: Joao FIGUEIREDO Minister of Foreign Affairs: Ramiro Saraiva GUERREIRO

Why it matters: It´s the speech that Brazilian president Figueiredo will pronounce to his argentine counterpart, president Bignone, during their encounter

Main notes:

His Excellency, Mr. General of Division Renaldo Bignone, President of the Argentine Nation:

The initiation of the construction of the International Bridge over the River Iguacu is further evidence of the spirit of cooperation that inspires friendship between Brazil and Argentina. This reflects the ability of our people, dedicated to the realization of common interests.

Uniting the argentine-brazilian banks of the Iguazu River, the bridge will contribute to the development of this area on the material and human fields, and will serve to boost the exchange of goods and people between our countries.

This project is not a casual or isolated initiative. It is made within the common purpose to the nations of the region, broadening and strengthening its physical integration. The union of the transport and communications networks reflects our strong commitment to regional economic progress and closer relations between our peoples.

The convergence of the three borders, and the willingness of those who live here, allow the strengthening and diversification of the traditional ties of friendship and cooperation between the countries concerned, foreshadowing a brighter future for the region.

Mr. President,

Both the bi-national project, which begins today, as the other relevant plans were devised and implemented under the sign of a better understanding between both countries. With that same spirit, our governments, and the Republic of Paraguay, concluded here in 1979, the agreement which establishes the convergence of interests between the Itaipu hydroelectric developments and Corpus.

It is clear to these initiatives the ideal of balanced development, with benefits for all of the parties involved. Our cooperation has been translated into a set of bilateral acts, carried out in recent years, in which among the most notable can be mentioned the Brazilian-Argentine Joint Commission for the construction of this bridge, signed during the visit I made to Buenos Aires in May 1980.

We have given particular encouragement to the interconnection of systems for land transport of both countries. Argentina and Brazil have built in the past, the bridge that connects the cities of the Uruguaiana Paso de los Libres on the Uruguay River. The bridge over the Iguazu River is a new link between the two countries. The Uruguay river has to be also the setting of electrical interconnections and, appropriately, from major hydroelectric projects in Brazil-Argentina.

Even today we will celebrate the interconnection agreement, provision and exchange of energy between Brazil and Argentina. I will witness this ceremony with the pleasant conviction that this corresponds to a more promising initiative in our process of mutual cooperation.

The conduct of our country proves a firm determination to face the challenges of the current international situation, due to the economic crisis that affects more severely developing countries.

Mr. President,

Brazil and Argentina honor their traditions, showing courage in the present, and confidence in the future. Also, in not letting us be immobilized by the difficulties and to persevere in the struggle for better future of our peoples. I'm sure of our success. We don´t lack neither courage nor capacity to achieve those goals.

The bonds forged between Brazil and Argentina goes beyond the bilateral relationship. In our context, we always present our position of Latin American nations that, early on, had in the solidarity one of the components of its progress.

The episodes that in the course of last year, involving Argentina in the South Atlantic, brought about us unequivocal manifestations of solidarity. With the same courage we

8 Critical Oral History Project Brasil-Argentina, 1979-82 / 85-87 have supported the need for a negotiated solution to the case, according to what I emphasized in a speech at the General Assembly of the United Nations.

Once again, we demonstrated that solidarity is not for us, a rhetorical concept, lacking the desire to update and improvement. The Brazilian-Argentinean solidarity, creative and renewable, is a dynamic reality, lived with the spirit to give an increasingly rich content of our relationship. This, Mr. President, is the meaning of this celebration, consecrating our fellowship and the high values that it has inspired, and who will forever inspire our enduring friendship. ***

ARTICLE WITH ARGENTINE AMBASSADOR IN BRASILIA DECLARATIONS REGARDING RELATIONS WITH BRAZIL (February 1983)

To: Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs From: Argentine Embassy in Brasilia Subject: “Caminos outlines Brazil´s role”, article by Carlos Conde published in Jornal de Brasilia

Date: February 2, 1983 Type: Unclassified President in Argentina: Reynaldo BIGNONE Minister of Foreign Affairs: Juan Ramón AGUIRRE LANARI President in Brazil: Joao FIGUEIREDO Minister of Foreign Affairs: Ramiro Saraiva GUERREIRO Signed: Hugo CAMINOS

Why it matters: It´s Ambassador´s Caminos view of the bilateral relation with Brazil, in which he points out the “loyalty” of Brazil towards Argentina during Malvinas/Falklands conflict.

Main notes:

A comparison between the recent incident with the "Barao de Teffé" at the entrance of the Beagle Channel, and the words that the Argentine Ambassador in Brazil, Hugo Caminos, used to talk to the Journal of the Argentine Chamber of Commerce of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo seems a strong indication that relations between the two countries will not sink in the waters of that canal. They are sufficiently robust to overcome difficulties and maintained in spite of obstacles created by imprudence.

In that interview, very enlightening, Ambassador Caminos paints a very clear picture of the bilateral dialogue, talks about his excellent perspectives, examines the need for unity in Latin America and discusses the lessons of the Falklands War.

The relationship between Brazil and Argentina is outstanding. He considers the Falklands episode "an example of understanding and loyalty" with respect to the Brazilian position, "the Falklands episode shook Latin America, showing a reality that our countries were reluctant to accept. Brazil's position, in which since 1833 supports the claims of Argentina, was an example of understanding and loyalty. In his speech last September 27, before the General Assembly of the United Nations, where I had the honor of being present, President Figueiredo stated that position in words that are etched in the hearts of Argentines. [He] reaffirmed the conviction that our countries should deepen their ties of cooperation and friendship for the good of their peoples and for that same spirit extends to the entire Latin American community."

Hugo Caminos believes that the economic complementarity between Brazil and Argentina is "inevitable"and understands that the two governments “have the political will to make every effort to make that a reality." [He] considers that this is a decision "conscious and mature", supported in the meetings held by the authorities of the two countries after the visit of President Joao Figueiredo to Buenos Aires in 1980. "I have the certainty that such a determination cannot be affected by changes in circumstances of rulers."

This is why the Ambassador refuses to consider the decline of trade in recent times: "Bilateral trade between Argentina and Brazil is arguably the most important of South

America. Unfortunately, many times, depending on circumstances outside the region, it suffers cyclical downturns. Besides that, the macroeconomic problems of our countries place more limitations. Meanwhile, the current exchange is destined to grow and become increasingly significant. We should not supplement industry, agriculture, services and technology is inevitable, given the profile of our economies."

Itamaraty doesn´t escape the admiration of Ambassador Caminos: "The most important thing is always the man and in this sense Itamaraty is a partner of the highest professional and personal level. This greatly facilitated my work in Brasilia, making it interesting and rewarding, even in difficult times." The diplomat remembers his time spent at the United Nations and its contacts with colleagues in Brazil: Saraiva Guerreiro, Sette Camara, Carlos Calero and Sergio Thompson Flores. He also met Professor Vicente Marotta Rangel, dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of San Pablo. He was and is linked to all of them by a common passion: the Law of the Sea.

Talking about regional issues, Ambassador Caminos says that "being born in Latin America, a new concept for the treatment of economic issues: The current problems of our region have common causes, such as external debt, rising protectionism in the countries industrialized versus our exports of manufactured products, difficulties inherent in developing our economies, uncertainty in obtaining international funding, instability in prices of agricultural products, whose exports depend on our external balance."

Caminos believes in Latin American unity: "Little by little new mechanisms of cooperation and understanding are being structured. [Such as] joint cooperation to address common problems through joint actions in international forums such as UNCTAD, GATT, World Bank and the IMF. [A] Growing understanding of the difficulties of our neighbors, that in some circumstances are forced to take internal measures that might affect trade, such as when there are changes in exchange rate policy. Latin American countries are considering trade issues in its true dimension. Therefore, our approach does not stop at policy barriers to trade or exchange. Each problem is discussed in a framework of negotiations, with the participation of technicians from the two countries. This is clear evidence of the growing maturity of our leaders." ***

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT OF ARGENTINA AND BRAZIL (July 1983)

Subject: Joint Press Statement of Argentina and Brazil Date: July 7, 1983 Type: Unclassified President in Argentina: Reynaldo BIGNONE Minister of Foreign Affairs: Juan Ramón AGUIRRE LANARI President in Brazil: Joao FIGUEIREDO Minister of Foreign Affairs: Ramiro Saraiva GUERREIRO

Why it matters: It shows the good relation of argentine president Reynaldo Bignone with Brazilian president Joao Figueiredo, and Brazilian support of the Malvinas/Falklands conflict.

Main notes:

Mr. President Joao Figueiredo and Mr. President Reynaldo Bignone, talked by telephone today, President Bignone expressed interest in the health of President Figueiredo and manifested his best hopes in relation to medical examinations to which President Figueiredo will be submitted in Cleveland.

On that occasion, the two heads of state exchanged views on issues of concern in both countries.

After thanking the interest and best wishes to his Argentine counterpart and referring to the issue of the landings in Brazil of British military aircraft bound for the Falklands, President Figueiredo guaranteed that Brazil will not serve as a base to British aircraft supplying the Falklands, allowing landing only in emergency situations or due to humanitarian reasons. He stated that this is his position and that of his government and that it will not deviate.

In this sense, he expressed that the government of Brazil will be rigorous in terms of authorization for emergency landings and that it will take the necessary measures to comply with its position.

He reiterated, finally, that Brazil continues with its solidarity stance regarding Argentine claims over the Malvinas Islands, as expressed in numerous occasions in all international forums.

The two presidents agreed that the bilateral relations between both countries are excellent and that the two governments remain committed to strengthening them."

ARTICLE WITH CAMILION´S DECLARATIONS REGARDING BRITISH- BRAZILIAN AIRCRAFT LANDINGS PROBLEM (possibly July 1983)

To: Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs From: Argentine Embassy in Brasilia Subject: U.K. conditions brazilian politics; article published in Ambito Financiero Date: Possibly July 1983 Type: Unclassified President in Argentina: Reynaldo BIGNONE Minister of Foreign Affairs: Juan Ramón AGUIRRE LANARI President in Brazil: Joao FIGUEIREDO

Minister of Foreign Affairs: Ramiro Saraiva GUERREIRO

Why it matters: It´s former argentine ambassador in Brazil and Chancellor of argentina´s view on brazilian-argentine relations regairding the aircraft landing problem.

Main notes:

Former Foreign Minister [of Argentina] Oscar Camilion, warned that "soon we could have an open diplomatic conflict against Brazil because the UK will press to get their planes scales before the year ends". Camilion said that "Brazil rejected [this] in the diplomatic field, but it has a tightrope on its neck due to its economic leverage." He further noted that “there is an eventual and objective coincidence, I´m not saying planned, between Chile and England in the case of a war against Argentina, which is very serious." On the Beagle, he said "it is clear that there is no possibility for Argentina to improve its diplomatic standing outside the papal proposal. On the contrary, its position is likely to worsen if the case is taken to the International Court in The Hague. "

ARTICLE THAT POINTS OUT ARGENTINE PRESSURE OVER BRAZIL REGARDING BRITISH-BRAZILIAN AIRCRAFT LANDINGS PROBLEM (July 1983)

To: Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs From: Argentine Embassy in Brasilia Subject: “Truce for Itamaraty”, article published in Jornal do Brasilia Date: July 18, 1983 Type: Unclassified President in Argentina: Reynaldo BIGNONE Minister of Foreign Affairs: Juan Ramón AGUIRRE LANARI President in Brazil: Joao FIGUEIREDO Minister of Foreign Affairs: Ramiro Saraiva GUERREIRO

Why it matters: It reveals the argentine pressure over Brazil regarding the continuous landings of the Royal Air Force in Brazil, as a scale to Malvinas/Falklands Islands.

Main notes:

(…) Following the episode of Surinam, it was rehabilitated in various circles, the "military diplomacy" that was talked so much about in the hard times of Itaipu and Corpus, during the the Geisel government. (...) Since General Torres was overthrown in Bolivia, and replaced by General Banzer, Brazil never insisted so strongly to influence the external situation as that in which it joined Lieutenant Colonel Bouterse regime. It was a very clear change of style, in which Itamaraty got involved in or was involved in. (…)

In the episode of the British aircraft, which multiplied their landings in Brazilian territory, allegedly for reasons of emergency, there also was a silent struggle between government forces. On one hand there is Itamaraty, valuing the political aspect of the case and always alert on the risks faced by the relations with Argentina. On the other hand, the [brazilian] Air Force jepordizes its good relationship with the Royal Air Force and the pragmatic dividends that this dialogue brings. With the wave of protests that grew in Buenos Aires, Itamaraty´s position strengthened, leading to President Figueiredo to act as judge and enforce attention calls to the [brazilian] Air Force and to the continuous landing of British aircraft.

All these situations exposed Itamaraty too much, exactly in a year in which, by the force of the terrible financial situation in Brazil and the pressure that it provokes, the Foreign Ministry needs to count now more than ever with accuracy and talent to deflect the blows, on behalf of the country, or know how to receive them, as we say in pugilistic language.

ARTICLE WITH PRESIDENT FIGUEIREDO´S STATEMENTS ON NUCLEAR WEAPONS AND RELATIONS WITH ARGENTINA (November 1983)

To: Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs From: Argentine Embassy in Brasilia Subject: “Argentina: Maintaining Balance”, article published in Zero Hora Date: November 1983 Type: Unclassified President in Argentina: Reynaldo BIGNONE Minister of Foreign Affairs: Juan Ramón AGUIRRE LANARI President in Brazil: Joao FIGUEIREDO Minister of Foreign Affairs: Ramiro Saraiva GUERREIRO

Why it matters: It´s president Figueiredo´s view on nuclear weapons and describes the bordrers with argentina as “live borders” in which armed conflicts could occur at any time.

Main notes:

President, but isn´t it due to the fact of being a trade weapons program that there would be a motive of constraint?

Figueiredo - No. It is not because the U.S. is a pacifist country that he ceases to export arms. And France too. What is a democracy[?]. England also, Germany also, Belgium as well. Why not Brazil? Everybody exports arms.

President. The sale of weapons is not in any way, a stimulus to the war spirit of nations, of peoples?

Figueiredo – It could be. But the production of nuclear weapons is a stimulus to peace, is it not?

President, are you saying that weapons can be used both for war and for peace?

Figueiredo - I think so, yes. If both sides arm themselves well, I think there is peace. If one side is better armed than the other one, there will be war. There´s no doubt about that. This is why Argentina and Brazil always try to maintain balance. And we are not ashamed to say this to each other. Maintaining balance is the only way to keep the peace. And this is inspite of our friendship with the Argentines. And we want to continue [this friendship] forever. But our borders are “live borders”, and we have to be careful. As in other borders, like Bolivia, with whom we have good relations. Friction between the great powers have always taken place in “live borders”, or due to trade issues. Look at the Rhine coal - coal that has armed France and England, isn´t this true?