United States Prepares Support for the 1964 Coup in Brazil

The American embassy was communicating with opponents of President João Goulart as the revolt developed. In a telegram on 31 March, Ambassador Lincoln Gordon described contacts through intermediaries with key governors and urged them to seek congressional backing for an appearance of constitutional legitimacy. He also requested fuel preparations and recommended support for the forces moving against the president. [1]

On 31 March 1964, as Brazilian troops moved against President João Goulart, Washington ordered preparations to support them. Tankers were to carry fuel from the Caribbean, a naval force was sent south, and ammunition was assembled for possible airlift. [2]

Goulart’s position quickly collapsed. Congress declared the presidency vacant while he was still in Brazil. At a National Security Council meeting on 2 April, American officials acknowledged doubts about the legality of his replacement, yet worked toward accepting the new authorities. Their overriding concern was to defeat a government they associated with a growing communist threat. [3] [4]

Washington ended up recalling its naval task force on 3 April; its arrival had proved unnecessary to the coup’s success. Inside Brazil, the new rulers suspended political rights, removed officeholders, and began arrests and repression. What some supporters had expected to be a temporary intervention became a military dictatorship that lasted until 1985. [3] [4]

Related Diplomats

1. Jorge de Carvalho e Silva [5]

Related Reading

• Brazil and the United States