Abstract: The actions of Rui Ribeiro Couto, one of the foreign diplomats with the longest tenure in the capital of Serbia and Yugoslavia, are examined using primary sources, relevant scholarly literature, and the media. During the ten and a half years that Couto lived and worked in Belgrade, his interactions with Yugoslav diplomacy are examined through this prism. The report concludes with a brief summary of Yugoslavian literary societies’ perceptions of Couto as a writer.

Keywords: Ruy Ribeiro Couto, Yugoslavia, Brazil, Diplomacy, Cold War

Summary: Born in Santos in 1898, Brazilian lawyer, author, and diplomat Ruy Ribeiro Couto served an extraordinary sixteen-year tenure as his country's representative in Belgrade. In the history of the Serbian and Yugoslav state, it was one of the longest, if not the longest, stays of a foreign diplomat. It is impossible to ignore his contribution to the improvement of Yugoslav-Brazilian relations during this time, not just in the political sphere but also in the areas of cultural transfer and economics. He helped two governments and their citizens better understand one another. Rui Ribeiro Couto was not a typical diplomat. He worked with several Yugoslav diplomats during this time and was not hesitant to voice his opinions publicly. When he saw it necessary to convey the messages he wanted to send to his Yugoslav counterparts, he breached diplomatic protocol. He specifically criticized the government for the absence of political freedoms, the pervasive intervention of the state and the party in all spheres of public and private life, and the lack of enthusiasm among young Yugoslavs. Yugoslav diplomacy was so irritated by this that they were subtly proposing that Brazilians replace him. That wish was not granted. Ribeiro Couto was able to convey to Brazilian authorities and American diplomats that he was well-versed in the circumstances in Yugoslavia, that his opinions were respected, and even that Josip Broz Tito was a personal friend who frequently called him for advice. This is perhaps the explanation for his exceptionally long tenure as Brazil's ambassador to Belgrade. His position was further reinforced by his unquestionable literary reputation and his dual status as a Portuguese and Brazilian academic. For many years Couto was the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Yugoslavia. He was well respected by other envoys and ambassadors, especially ones from Latin America. His literary works was also well-known in Yugoslavia. During his term in the country three books of his poems and short stories war translated and published, as well his various songs. He was well liked and respected among Yugoslav critics. Unfortunately, he was unable to return to his home country. A month after finishing his tenure in Yugoslavia, he passed away in Paris.