853.00 Revolution 1931/5: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Portugal ( South )
8. Your telegram No. 7, April 8, 6 p.m. While this Government is happy to note the efforts which are being made toward a peaceful [Page 965] settlement and earnestly hopes that bloodshed may be averted, in view of this Government’s well-established policy of non-interference in European affairs, I believe it would be unwise for the American Government even to aid in mediation as you suggest, since, with a similar offer by the British, a controversy between the Portuguese Government and the revolutionary forces might immediately arise as to which of these two offers should be accepted and there would be inevitable taking of sides on that subject, with the consequent identification of the American Government with one side or the other.
Repeated to Consul Funchal.