Improvement urged by US in position toward Brazil

December 1, 1980

Changes in US policy toward Brazil are essential to ensure long-term good relations between the two countries, the private Commission on US-Brazlian Relations said. Attitudes need to be updated and reshaped to take account of Brazil's new international status. A report, based on an 18-month study of bilateral ties, accused the United States of a paternalistic attitude toward Brazil and other third-world nations, cautioning that it was a mistake to pay heed to Brazil only in times of crisis. The 25-member commission urged change in official US policy, but also noted that the private sector could "play a role in Brazil's development" through technological, academic, and cultural exchanges.