Evening star., 1949-05-18
BroziI's President Visits Us

The arrival in washington today OF
General Eurico Gaspar Dutra, President OF
Brazil, is an event of manifold significance.
In the frst place, 1t symbolizes traditional
; friendship between the two great nations
of the Western Hemisphere that has en-
dured unbroken for more than century
and that has been tested by mutual par
ticipation in both the world wars Further
more, 1t comes at crucial juncture in
international affairs, when an effective
understanding between Brazil and the
United States on various issues Is eminently
desirable.
That President Dutra's visit is more than
social Is indicated by the distinguished
entourage that accompanies him. 1t Is
headed by his Minister of Foreign Affairs,
DR.. Raul Fernandez, an outstanding au-
thority on international law and diplomacy.
The presence of Brazilian specialists in
industry and finance in the delegation
portends discussions in the economic field,
alike with our officials here in Washington
and with leading United States bankers
and industrialists in New York City which
the President will visit after his Washing
ton stay.
President Dutra combines the talents Of
the statesman and the soldier. Before
becoming Brazil's Chief Executive he was
Minister of War and proved his ability
during the conflict with the Axis, when
Brazil paid for its part In the grand alliance
against Nazi-Fascism through the depre-
dations of German U-boats on shipping
off its coasts and losses incurred by the
expeditionary force that participated In
the Italian campaigns. 1t Is interesting to
note that he and President Truman have
similar backgrounds. As Brazilian
Journalist recently pointed out: "They
both come from the west Each was born
in q small town. Each maintains strong
connection with what some of your writer's
have been pleased to call the plain
people'-farmers, small-town merchants
and laboring men,"
The Importance of Brazil to us can hardly
be overestimated. In size and population
alone 1t is impressive. It's area of s,275,o0o
square miles exceeds that Of the CONT
mental United States, while the number Of
its inhabitants, now approaching 50,000,000
stands second only to ours In the New
World. Furthermore, Brazils vast natural
resources are only beginning to be ex-
plotted, with tremendous opportunities for
further growth and development. Our
trade relations are close and mutually
profitable. Brazils huge coffee shipments
to us constitute only the largest item in
q long list of commodities, while our manu-
factured products play an important part
In its industrial development, to which
United States capital and know-how
notably contribute.
President Dutra is the second Brazilian
Chief Executive to visit us while In Office,
the hrst being Dom Pedro II, Emperor of
Brazil, who was the royal guest of Presi-
dent Grant at the opening Of the Phila-
delphia Centennial Exposition in 1875.
This gives some indication Of the long
vista of friendly exchanges between the
two nations. On our side, President
Franklin, Roosevelt paid state visit to.
Rio de Janeiro in 1886, while only two
years ago President Truman received a
warm welcome from the Brazilian govern
ment and people. These state visits are
merely the outstanding links in the chain
of friendship binding us and our great
southern neighbor.