Exhibit 15.5

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Av. Presidente Wilson, 231 - 8° e 22° andares 20030-021 - Rio de Janeiro - RJ Brasil
Telefone : (21) 3981-0500 Fac-simile: (21) 3981-0600 www.deloitte.com.br	Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Securities and Exchange Commission

450 Fifth Street NW

Washington DC 20549

Commissioners:

We are aware that our report dated July 15, 2003 on our review of interim financial information of Companhia Hispano-Brasileira de Pelotização S.A. – HISPANOBRÁS as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 is included in the Registration Statement on Form F-4 of Vale Overseas Limited and Companhia Vale do Rio Doce and all amendments thereto.

/s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Rio de Janeiro - RJ

October 9^th, 2003