Western Hemisphere 39
Narrative: Two Peruvian air force jets strafed a US Air Force C-130. It is unclear
if the C-130 was following its flight plan, or if it crossed into Peruvian territory.
During the attack one crew member of the C-130 was blown out of the plane and
died.
Coding changes: Fatalities changed from None.
2 United States of America/140 Brazil
MID#2043
Dispute Number: 2043
Date(s): November 3, 1866
Participants: 2 United States of America/140 Brazil
Outcome (and Settlement): Yield by side B (Imposed)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: This dispute concerns an American violation of a Brazilian blockade of
Paraguay, the heart of which was simply to guarantee an American diplomat, Charles
Washburn, a safe arrival into the landlocked, and blockaded, country during the War of
the Triple Alliance. The American steamer Shamokin arrived at the mouth of the Para-
guay River, where it was greeted by an admiral of the Brazilian blockading party. The
Brazilian admiral at first refused passage of the ship containing the American minister
to Paraguay, suggesting instead a delay that would allow Brazil to ship Washburn to
Paraguay on another ship. The Americans refused and reminded the admiral that the
ship was armed and prepared for a fight. The Brazilian admiral relented, allowing
passage of the ship through the Paraguay River under a strong protest, including both
verbal and written objections.
MID#2005
Dispute Number: 2005
Date(s): February 4, 1903
Participants: 2 United States of America/140 Brazil
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: By the turn of the 19th century, the United States had become the number
one investor in Brazilian products, especially coffee beans. On February 4, 1903,
Secretary of State John M. Hay informed the Brazilian foreign minister Assis Brasil
that the American government would intervene to protect the interests and invest-
ments of its citizens. This statement was given in response to a request from both the
Bolivian and Brazilian governments for the United States to take a side in the Acre
dispute. The Americans refused to intervene, but assured Brazil that if necessary, to
protect the “innocent” interests and investments of its citizens, it would step in. This
was essentially a threat to use force against Brazil if American interests were not
protected.