Brazil. Export of Arms of German Manufacture To: Letter from Mr. Cavendish Bentinck to Director of Military Intelligence

The Ministry of Economic Warfare have hitherto proved reluctant to authorise the passage to Brazil of these German arms because:(a) the enemy would get further supplies of Brazilian currency which could be used either to offer fancy prices for running contraband or for fifth column activities; (b) the import of this sort of material would almost certainly involve the employment of German technicians to work and maintain it and thus further German influence in the Brazilian army, and (c) exemptions of this character are usually treated by the local German community to show that we are so lacking in determination that we are unable to prevent the pressure of German exports.