On December 1971, President Richard Nixon and Brazilian President Emilio Garrastazú Médici discussed Brazil’s role in efforts to overthrow the elected government of Salvador Allende in Chile. According to a declassified conversation, Nixon asked Médici whether the Chilean military was capable of overthrowing Allende. “He felt that they were…,” Médici replied, he made it clear that Brazil was working toward this end. Nixon offered his approval and support for Brazil’s intervention in Chile. The President would go on to say that it was very important that Brazil and the United States work closely in this field. They would cooperate closely as there were many things that Brazil as a South American country could do that the U.S. could not. They would also talk about the scourge which is Fidel Castro and how they “must try and prevent new Allendes and Castros and try where possible to reverse these trends.” Further in this interaction not only do they talk about further ways to keep this line of dialogue open outside of regular channels but if they needed any help to make it happen they could “let him know. If money were required or other discreet aid, we might be able to make it available. This should be held in the greatest confidence.”

Work Cited:

https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/NSAEBB/NSAEBB282/Document%20143%2012.9.71.pdf

https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/NSAEBB/NSAEBB282/Document%20144.pdf

https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/NSAEBB/NSAEBB282/Document%20145%2012.29.71.pdf

https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/NSAEBB/NSAEBB282/Document%20146%201.13.72.pdf