ABSTRACT
In emphatic terms, Rodrigues Alves told the Brazilian that Argentina's policy with respect to Rio would be one of "frank and absolute cordiality and cooperation." Despite an inclination to assist his North American counterpart, Rodrigues Alves was forced to move with extreme caution when asked by Armour to place subtle pressure on the Argentine government. The uneasiness of the ambassador was fully matched by apprehension on the part of Argentina's military rulers. The specter of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force was beginning to loom quite large. Concurrent with this action were ill-disguised attempts by Argentine military attachés to influence the armies of Bolivia, Chile, and Uruguay. The ambassador thought it an appropriate moment to suggest a grand summit conference between the presidents of Argentina and Brazil on the border at Uruguaiana. Rodrigues Alves did indeed speak with the Argentine president. He found Ramirez receptive to both a meeting with Getulio and an announcement that Argentina would sever relations with the Axis.
