ABSTRACT
In Rio, meanwhile, the Brazilian president requested an interview with Argentine envoy Escobar in an effort to express the profound condolences of the nation. The implication was not lost upon Escobar. He too extolled the virtues of Argentine-Brazilian amity and much of his conversation dealt with the possibility of increasing cultural exchanges. Argentine apprehensions rose in direct proportion to Brazilian activity. In the interim, Aranha wanted neither diplomatic protests from Buenos Aires nor an Argentine effort to counter this new force by a comparable increase in troop strength. The news of Roosevelt's secret meeting with Getúlio had, of course, created a profound impact in the Argentine capital. Brazil's swelling mood of national confidence was in direct contrast to the plight of the Argentine nation. Of perhaps dubious comfort to the Argentines were numerous stories in the pro-Axis press portraying the Brazilian, despite his new weapons, as "a negro in bare feet".
