Saraiva’s main objective is to end the…

Saraiva’s main objective is to end the crisis between both countries by peaceful means.

On May 12, 1864 he presents his credentials to the Uruguayan government and four days later formally delivers the Brazilian demands.

The demands are implicitly an ultimatum, and are rejected by Aguirre on May 24, 1864.

Both the Blanco and Brazilian governments are intransigent.

The Uruguayans erroneously believe that their alliance with Paraguay will protect them from a Brazilian attack and that, in the event of war, slave rebellions will occur in Brazil, preventing effective mobilization.

In turn, the Brazilian government has no genuine desire for dialogue.

In addition, Saraiva's arrogant and authoritarian attitude causes irritation among the members of the Blanco government, and hinders the search for a peaceful solution.

The Brazilian Conservatives caution the liberal cabinet, arguing that the war could spread onto Brazilian soil.

This warning will later prove prophetic, when Paraguayan troops invade the Brazilian province of Mato Grosso in December.

Meanwhile, Saraiva has made a secret alliance with the Argentine government.

Immediately afterwards, he had begun conversations with the rebel leader Flores, who had accepted the Brazilian demands.