853B.014/40a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
2463. The President has asked me to let you know that he is planning to write a personal note to Dr. Salazar couched in a very friendly and informal tone which will make clear to Dr. Salazar that this Government has never had the slightest intention of encroachment in any form upon Portuguese sovereignty over the Azores or the other Portuguese colonial possessions. The President will also make clear what the views of this Government are with regard to the need to clef end the Western Hemisphere against any threat of German aggression and, without entering into the field of the conversations held in London, will make it plain that this Government will be prepared to take such action as may be required to assist Portugal in the event that Germany undertakes any aggressive move against the Azores.