Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1942, General; the British Commonwealth; the Far East, Volume I

125.0040/178b: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Portugal (Fish)

Washington, April 6, 1942—5 p.m.

375. 1. With respect to forthcoming exchange of American and Japanese personnel at Lourenço Marques, please request Portuguese Government to instruct Colonial officials to extend every possible facility in this matter granting to extent that may be possible waiver of landing taxes and other charges against individuals being exchanged.

2. Please ascertain from Portuguese Government minimum requirements for documentation of persons being exchanged with respect to those coming from Far East and those coming from United States. Department hopes that visas may be waived or that at least Portuguese Government will not wish to insist on more than block transit visa for lists of persons being embarked on exchange vessels.

3. As urgent problems may arise in connection with the movement which cannot now be foreseen, please request that Portuguese Minister Washington³⁰ be granted discretionary authority to take urgent action upon such matters when presented to him by the Department.

Welles

30. João Antonio de Bianchi.