861.77 Chinese Eastern/678: Telegram
The Minister in Portugal (Dearing) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:10 p.m.]
44. My telegram No. 43, December 6, 3 p.m. When I requested yesterday, for forwarding to Department, copies of Portuguese Government statements to Russia and China, I was asked to call at Foreign Office and was informed by Director General, in the absence of Foreign Minister, that there had been a delay and that while Portugal was in accord with us in the original situation it feels that situation has now changed and that in view of the direct negotiations between Russia and China, Foreign Minister feels opportunity to act seems to have passed and debates the wisdom of now sending a statement. He also feels that as our Government’s objective seems to have been achieved by the representation of the great powers that have already acted, a statement from Portugal would not add to their effectiveness. I was assured that I have not misunderstood or misinterpreted the Minister and that a note to this effect, and explaining his present state of mind, would be given me to send to the Department.7…
- Not printed.↩