Elihu Root Addresses the Pan-American Conference in Rio de Janeiro
1906-07-31
Representatives of the American republics prepared for the Rio conference in Washington after the preceding meeting in Mexico. Elihu Root instructed the American delegates to discuss shared practical interests, with no authority to compel treaties or sit in judgment on another state's conduct. [1]
A galley with 64 oars carried Elihu Root ashore at Rio de Janeiro on 27 July 1906, where Brazil’s foreign minister, the Baron of Rio Branco, received him. The American secretary of state had come aboard USS Charleston during a tour of South America. [2]
Four days later, Root addressed the Pan-American conference in Rio. He urged the American republics to remove barriers to trade and communication, learn from one another, and settle their differences through discussion. He promised respect for the independence and equal rights of small states as well as great powers. [2]
Brazil gave the visit an elaborate public welcome. Root met officials, attended receptions, and traveled on to São Paulo and a coffee plantation before leaving for Montevideo. [2]
Related Diplomats
Sources
- Report of the U.S.delegates to the Third International Conference of American States
Document 594, June 18, 1906 instructions, opening paragraphs on the preceding Mexico conference and consensual scope of the Rio meeting
- Griscom’s report and speeches during Root’s visit — FRUS
Report of July 27 arrival and July 31 conference; enclosure 2, Root’s speech
- Rubens Barbosa: archival-recovery initiative, foreword pp. 30–31
Related Reading
Cite This Article
Elihu Root Addresses the Pan-American Conference in Rio de Janeiro. Chanceries Diplopedia. Record f39c1f979fba29e17975. https://chanceries.org/research/history/brazil-root-43daec541a/