For the American researcher Frank McCann, the contribution made by Brazil to the allied effort during World War 2 was higher than you think. US bases installed in Brazil, he said, were key to the Allies in Africa, the former Soviet Union and even China during the conflict, which could have been another story if they did not exist.
McCann also noted that the United States came to fear that secured North Africa, the Germans crossed the Atlantic to invade Brazil, supported revolts of the German and Italian communities of the South.
The researcher also reports that occurred in the 2nd World War, a clash of cultures, in which the Americans had a negative view of the Brazilians because of the poor health conditions of soldiers from Brazil.
According to him, after the Cold War, and since it was overcome the tension that preceded the breakup in 1977 of the 1952 military agreement, there are more mutual respect between the two countries. "There was suspicion among Brazilians that the Americans were too interested in the Amazon officers," said McCann. Below are the main excerpts from the interview given by him to the state:
You say that Brazil in the 2nd War was one of the first examples of using civilians in military projects. How did this happen?
I was referring to the construction of air bases. The US military could not do it, then they went to Pan American Airways, whose Pan Air subsidiary of Brazil was responsible for identifying the land, workers, and organize construction. The Pan Am's contract with the US Army stated that Miami would build bases to Christmas and then, through Africa, from Dakar to Somalia. When Europe was under German rule, and the Japanese dominated the Pacific, this network has fueled the British in North Africa, the Soviet Union and even the crucial stage of China, Burma and India. No Brazilian bases, World War II would have been a different story.
What was the weight that had to Brazil's entry into the war, Operation Golden Pot, planned the Northeast by 100,000 American invasion to secure the area for the US operations?
I do not think it has had some influence on decision making. Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the US military did not want to fight Brazilians. Instead, they were afraid that Germany, after securing North Africa, launched an attack in northeastern Brazil and the German and Italian communities in the South revolted in support of the German effort. The German victory against France and the air attack on Britain frightened everyone.
There was a clash of cultures between Brazilians and Americans in the 2nd World War?
The Brazil gave Americans a negative view of the country. Great features, wonderful hospitality, but a sick population. While intense training has irritated some Brazilian officials, it was not different from that to which American soldiers were submitted. The rule was simple subtreinados soldiers could soon be dead. My impression is that official as Castello Branco soon realized that continuous training was necessary.
Why FEB had only 25,000 men? What was missing? Cash?
No, it was simply a matter of not having healthy young men in sufficient numbers. One of the problems was that the decision-making process in Brazil was very slow. The right decisions were taken too late to take advantage of opportunities that passed quickly. If Brazil had been ready to send its forces in 1943 as part of the campaign in North Africa, even if it had had only a couple of divisions, their status would have been different.
How did the Brazil-US relationship in the military after the Cold War?
I think there is more mutual respect. There was some suspicion among Brazilians that the Americans were too interested in the Amazon officers. The Brazil denied permission for landing the US in some fields in Roraima in the late 80s, even in humanitarian missions. And with at least one training involving Brazilian paratroopers in Roraima, the US was warned to keep away. Brazil recently launched an extensive military procurement program. Bought equipment from Russia and France.
Americans remain distant or Obama could change that?
I heard that President Obama was impressed with President Lula. But I would be surprised if he had a clear idea about what Brazil is today. I hope he comes soon and get to see much of the country. As a rule, Americans have few concrete ideas about Brazil. The more Obama see better.
SOURCE: Estadão
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário