§ 24. Mr. OSWALD LEWISasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the loss of life in a neutral ship at Rio de Janeiro; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to safeguard the lives of British subjects in Brazilian territory?
Mr. A. HENDERSONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. There is, I think, no reason to anticipate that the lives of British subjects will be endangered by any repetition of this unfortunate incident. In the early stages of the revolution in Brazil it was feared that British subjects in certain districts might be in danger. His Majesty's Ship "Delhi" was, in consequence, ordered on the 11th of October to proceed to Brazilian waters as a precautionary measure for the protection of British lives. Fortunately her services have not been required.
§ Commander SOUTHBYIs His Majesty's Ship "Delhi" still in Brazilian waters, or has she left?
§ 31. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any reports from our representatives in South America on the revolutions that have recently taken place, and can he make a statement on the subject?
Mr. HENDERSONFull reports have been received from His Majesty's representatives in the countries in question, 458 and it is proposed, with the permission of my hon. Friend, to publish a full statement of the position in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I would add, however that, so far as I am at present informed, no British subjects have suffered personal injury during any of these disturbances.
§ Following is the statement:
§ In the last days of June a revolutionary movement broke out in Bolivia. A part of the army advanced on La Paz, and on the 30th of June a Provisional Government was set up under the presidency of General Blanco Galindo. At the end of August a similar movement took place in Peru, which ended on the 27th of August in the formation of a Provisional Government under Colonel Cerro. In Argentina, after a rapid military movement, General Uriburu formed a Provisional Government on the 6th of September.
§ In all three countries the Provisional Governments are exercising effective control, and have declared that they will abide by their international undertakings. These Governments have been informed that His Majesty's Government consider that the change of government in the countries concerned in no way affects the relations between them and His Majesty's Government.
§ As regards events in Brazil: on the 4th of October the States of Minas Geraes and Rio Grande do Sul revolted against the Federal Government. Simultaneously, successful risings occurred in the neighbouring States, leaving the authority of the Federal Government practically confined to the States of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. On the 24th of October the army in Rio de Janeiro revolted. Provisional power was assumed by a Military Junta, which issued a statement to the effect that the Provisional Government recognises and respects its international engagements. Senhor Getulio Vargas, the President of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, has now arrived at Rio de Janeiro.