The Who, Why, and What of the Brazilians in the BoB

Brazilian Expeditionary Force (Far Eastern Mission)

Commander’s Briefing – Confidential

Issued by: Ministry of Foreign Relations, Rio de Janeiro

In consultation with: Ministry of Agriculture, Commerce & Public Works

Date: Late 1919

I. Political Context

The conclusion of the Great War has destabilised large regions of Eurasia. In the Russian Far East and along the Trans‑Siberian railway, imperial authority has collapsed, foreign powers compete for influence, and civilian populations are exposed to disorder, famine, and displacement.

Brazil, as a sovereign republic and a contributing member of the victorious Allied powers, cannot remain a passive observer while global trade routes, transport infrastructure, and migratory populations are reshaped by violence and neglect.

The deployment of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB) represents a limited, discretionary mission undertaken in Brazil’s own national interest, with no obligation to foreign ideological causes.

II. Declared Mission (Public Justification)

The FEB is tasked with:

. Protecting Brazilian nationals and commercial interests in the Far East

. Assisting in the safeguarding of transport infrastructure essential to humanitarian relief

. Facilitating the voluntary relocation of displaced persons seeking resettlement abroad

. Supporting general stability in areas where legitimate authority is unclear or contested

Brazil asserts no territorial claims and recognises no exclusive mandate beyond the protection of life, commerce, and lawful movement.

III. Strategic Objective (Internal / Primary)

The true purpose of the FEB mission is to secure human capital, infrastructure access, and long‑term leverage for Brazil in the post-war world.

Specifically:

1. Immigration Acquisition

. Identify, screen, and secure willing immigrant populations suitable for agricultural and industrial labour in Brazil

. Priority given to skilled workers, railway personnel, engineers, artisans, and disciplined military veterans

. Ensure migrants are transferred under Brazilian authority and contractual terms

2. Railway & Transport Control

. Gain access to, and where possible secure, railway nodes, rolling stock, depots, and river ports

. Prevent wanton destruction of infrastructure that may later serve Brazilian commercial interests

. Deny exclusive control of key transport assets to any single foreign power

3. Reputation & Prestige

. Demonstrate Brazilian organisational competence, restraint, and reliability

. Establish Brazil as a credible extra‑regional actor without colonial ambitions

IV. Vladivostok & Current Disposition

The FEB’s landing at Vladivostok has been conducted with the consent of local authorities currently exercising control of the port and rail access.

The FEB has:

. Assisted in maintaining order within the port area

. Committed limited forces to defensive preparations against external disruption

. Avoided participation in internal political repression or ideological enforcement

Regarding Japanese Forces:

Brazil is not at war with Japan. FEB Rules of Engagement explicitly prohibit initiating hostilities. Defensive action is authorised only in response to direct attack or to prevent immediate harm to Brazilian personnel, migrants under Brazilian protection, or essential infrastructure.

This posture preserves Brazilian neutrality while protecting Brazilian interests.

V. Relations with Other Powers

. United States:

Quiet cooperation is permitted where interests align, particularly regarding transport security and evacuation logistics. Brazil retains full operational independence.

. Russian Factions:

Engagement is transactional, not ideological. Cooperation may occur with any authority capable of guaranteeing movement, safety, and access. No political endorsement is implied.

. China & Regional Authorities:

Local agreements regarding transit, labour movement, and supply procurement are encouraged.

Brazil’s guiding principle is flexibility without entanglement.

VI. Prohibited Actions

. Initiating offensive war against recognised foreign powers

. Permanent occupation of territory

. Participation in ideological purges or reprisals

. Actions that would publicly bind Brazil to revolutionary or counter‑revolutionary causes

VII. End State

The FEB is to conclude its mission with:

. Secured migrant contingents en route to Brazil

. Preserved or documented transport assets of strategic value

. Minimal diplomatic friction

. Enhanced Brazilian standing as a stabilising, non‑imperial power

Brazil leaves no flags planted, but many doors open.