811.7353b W 52/27: Telegram

The Minister in Portugal ( Dearing ) to the Secretary of State

72. Refer to my telegram number 67 August 5, 2 p.m. Minister for Foreign Affairs sends me text of Western Union bill as approved by Chamber of Deputies containing amendment inserted as extra paragraph article 1, reading as follows: “Telegrams transmitted over any one of the sections of the cable or cables of the concessionaire and destined to South America may only proceed to destination by the way of Cape Verde Islands.”

Please give me Western Union reason [reaction?] and any instructions deemed necessary soonest possible. Barest chance exists to secure elimination amendment if action taken before Senate acts. London informed. General situation still much disturbed.

Dearing