Lead up to the Coup

Skeptics of Goulart as President

Joao Goulart’s ascension to the Presidency on September 8,1961 after the resignation of President Janio Quadros was initially met with heavy resistance from the military and right-wing sectors in Brazil and the United States. Cold War politics and Fidel Castro clinching power in Cuba in 1959 did not help ease opponents’ concerns who portrayed him as an unpredictable nationalist who might unadvisedly fuel the flames of social upheaval and radical revolution, turning Brazil into another Cuba.

The United States and the Military Coup

2. My considered conclusion is that Goulart is now definitely engaged on campaign to seize dictatorial power, accepting the active collaboration of the Brazilian Communist Party, and of other radical left revolutionaries to this end. If he were to succeed it is more than likely that Brazil would come under full Communist control, even though Goulart might hope to turn against his Communist supporters on the Peronist model which I believe he personally prefers.

187. Telegram From the Ambassador to Brazil (Gordon) to the Department of State. Rio de Janeiro, March 28, 1964. office of the historian, united states department of state.

13. Given the absolute uncertainty of timing of a possible trigger incident (which could occur tomorrow or any other day); we recommend (a) that measures be taken soonest to prepare for a clandestine delivery of arms of non-US origin, to be made available to Castello Branco supporters in Sao Paulo as soon as requirements known and arrangements can be worked out. Best delivery means now apparent to us is unmarked submarine to be off-loaded at night in isolated shore spots in state of Sao Paulo south of Santos, probably near Iguape or Gananeia. (b) This should be accompanied by POL availabilities (bulk, packaged, or both may be required), also avoiding USG identification, with deliveries to await outbreak active hostilities. Action on this (Deptel 1281)4 should proceed forthwith.

187. Telegram From the Ambassador to Brazil (Gordon) to the Department of State. Rio de Janeiro, March 28, 1964. office of the historian, united states department of state.
Operation Brother Sam USS Forestal

Sources:

  • Spektor, Matias. “The United States and the 1964 Brazilian Military Coup.” Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Latin American History. Oxford University Press, 2018.