THE BRAZILIAN CENTENARY EXHIBITION. [To THE EDITOR OP THE "
SPECTATOR.") SIR,—In September next the Brazilian Centenary Exhibition will he opened at Rio de Janeiro. A British pavilion is in course of erection to serve, first, as a place for the British exhibits, and ultimately as a friendly gift to Brazil in token of the close and fruitful intercourse which has marked the relations of the two countries during the whole of the century of independence. The cost of the building will be shared between the British Government and the British bankers and merchants who are specially interested in the project. Good progress is being made with the British building, but the avail- able time is short, and a special effort will be needed if we are to make a display at all commensurate with the occasion. I hope and believe that the effort will be made. It should be inspired by no narrow spirit of immediate commercial profit, hut rather by a full sense of the opportunity offered us of 'showing how sincerely and wholeheartedly we shall share in the rejoicing of the people of Brazil, and how great is our confidence in the increasing prosperity of the country.
Our good will towards Brazil was conspicuously demonstrated at the time of her declaration of independence. Admiral Cochrane rendered his aid, and a British Ambassador, Sir Charles Stuart, was the first to convey from the outside world full recognition of the new State. These sentiments were ienewed and confirmed by the British Special Mission which was so hospitably received by the President and Government ef Brazil, and by the Brazilian people, in the last year of the great War, into which they had entered on the side of the Allies. It was then agreed that the diplomatic missions of the two countries should be raised to the status of Embassies, as has since been done. In 1919 President Pessoa paid an official
visit to this country, being received here with all honour by the King and Government, and with evident signs of pleasure by the people. We should not miss the opportunity now again offered of expressing our true feelings towards this great and friendly country.—I am, Sir, &e.,
(Signed) MAURICE DE BUNSEN
(late 11.11.'s Ambassador to the States of South America). [We refer to this letter in our "News of the Week."—ED. Spectator.]
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