Evening star., 1942-08-23
Brazi|DecIaresW War onReich> Italy;
Uruguay Expected to Follow Suit;
NaZis Cross Don Near Sta|inqrad
Sinking Of 5 Ships
By Axis U-Bouts
Brings Action
By the Associated Press.

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Aug
22.-To the wild cheers of thou
sands thronging the capital
streets in carnival mood, Brazil
today formally recognized a state
of war between herself and Ger
many and Italy.
y The nations declaration of state
of belligerency answered months Of
Axis aggression and followed a week
filled with demonstrations against
the Axis sinking of five Brazilian
ships in the shadow of her coast
line with the loss of more than 900
lives.
Indications here were that the
Brazilian action would be followed
shortly, perhaps within "a hours,
by similar declaration from Uru-
guay-where the news of Brazil's
decision first was revealed - and
might be followed shortly by similar
action of other American nations
now in a state of broken relations
with the Axis.
In all, 19 Brazilian ships have
been sunk since the war spread over
the world, 13 before the outburst of
q new submarine campaign this
month and one small ship after the
loss of the five was officially an
nounced early this week with the
promise that "the crime" would not
go unpunished.
Japan Not Mentioned.
Thus submarines for the second
time caused Brazil to become bel
ligerent. Unrestricted U-boat war
fare put Brazil into the World War
as the only South American ally
against Germany.
In note sent to the German and
italian governments declaring that
the state of belligerency exists,
Brazil carefully pointed out she had
exhibited great tolerance and peace
full intentions before the attacks
on the five vessels off her coast.
Then the note concluded:
There is no way to deny that
Germany and Italy practiced war
acts against Brazil, creating a
belligerent situation which we are
forced to recognize in defense of
our dignity and sovereignty. our
safety and that of America, and to
repel it as our forces are able"
Japan, which obviously could not
have been involved directly in the
sinkings, was not mentioned in the
war declaration although Brazil
broke diplomatic relations with all
three Of the Axis partners last
January 20.
1859 Army Men Lost.
Among the Brazilians lost in the
attacks were 1859 officers and men
from a Brazilian army transport.
The declaration, which made Bra
I'll the first South American nation
to admit open warfare with the
Axis, came after two days of wild
rumors which were climaxed by a
meeting of the cabinet of President
Getulio Vargas this afternoon.
The official announcement was
delayed until some time after it was
revealed in MonteWdeo and WASH
ington but it was known that Brazil
acted after all the other American
republics had been consulted by
telegraphed notes and their replies
received and studied.
Shortly after the announcement
was broadcast to the nation, Rios
principal streets were filled with an
excited populace, many persons
shrieking with obvious Joy over &C
tual warfare against the Axis-a
condition which long has been de-
sired by Brazil's man in the street,
who is violently democratic.
Dancing in the Streets.
Many persons leaped on i'm
provised speakers stands on the
tree-lined streets to engage in long
speeches; elegantly dressed society
men and women joined barefooteo
stevedores and others of all classes
in dancing in the streets ano
demonstrations comparable only te
(See BRAZIL, Page A-4)