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Negotiations led to a formal alliance and the creation in 1942 of joint commissions to oversee military relations. Adjustment problems in the early stages of the commissions, particularly the JBUSMC, meant continued reliance on personal diplomacy to achieve progress. Once the JBUSMC functioned smoothly, it played a vital role in preparing the Brazilian Expeditionary Force for combat in Europe. Brazil Breaks Relations With Germany On the day following the Pearl Harbor bombing Getúlio Vargas declared Brazil's solidarity with the United States but stopped short of a complete break with the Axis powers.

Lehman Miller was unconvinced. He argued that, even though field- and company-grade officers leaned toward the United States, the Brazilian high command had pro-German sympathies. 25 The Question Of Assistance Miller's analysis of the high command was faulty; pro-German sympathy was less important than were arms and equipment for national security. S. assistance because of the high arms prices and the cash-and-carry policy. S. Congress had yet to pass legislation allowing assistance, and the United States lacked industrial plants to produce arms.

To deny potential enemies a foothold in the Western Hemisphere and access to Latin America's vast resources, security relationships with key countries were vital. S. efforts to obtain a close military relationship because of its strategic geographical location and wealth of raw materials. The Roosevelt administration's desire to strengthen economic, political, and military ties with the largest South American country meshed well with President Getúlio Vargas's (19321945, 19501954) aim of developing his country.