U.S. government support for the coup Brazil–United States relations

though never admitted u.s. government, u.s. secretly provided arms , other support military coup plotters. u.s. government documents released on 31 march 2004, 40th anniversary of brazilian coup, expose u.s. role. audio tape released day, instance, showed american president lyndon b. johnson (1963–1969) instructing aides in brazil these words: think ought take every step can, prepared need do. u.s. ambassador brazil, lincoln gordon, perhaps enthusiastic pro-coup u.s. authority. 4 days prior coup, gordon wrote central intelligence agency agents in detailing how u.s. should plotters: if our influence brought bear avert major disaster here—which might make brazil china of 1960s—this both , senior advisors believe our support should placed. assure success of coup, gordon recommended measures taken soonest prepare clandestine delivery of arms of non-us origin, made available castello branco supporters in sao paulo. in subsequent cable, declassified february 2004, gordon suggested these weapons pre-positioned prior outbreak of violence, used paramilitary units , friendly military against hostile military if necessary. conceal u.s. role, gordon recommended arms delivered via unmarked submarine off-loaded @ night in isolated shore spots in state of sao paulo south of santos.

in 2001, gordon published book—brazil s second chance: en route toward first world—on brazilian history since military coup. in denied role in affair. on gordon s importance coup movement, however, james n. green, american brazilianist, said in interview brazilian website: [gordon] changed brazil s history, gave green light military advanced coup in 1964. made clear that, if coup advanced, united states going recognize immediately, fundamental [to plotters]. media outlets, both in brazil , u.s., hailed coup.

the u.s. recognized new interim government. @ day of coup united states naval task force anchored close port of vitória. johnson administration (and international monetary fund) made large loans new castelo branco government (1964–67).