853B.20/45: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Portugal (Fish)
319. With reference to telegram no. 97 of March 29, 5 p.m., from Ponta Delgada, concerning a circular from the Civil Governor requiring the concentration of all foreigners including consular officers upon a given signal, you are instructed to state to the Portuguese Government that compliance with such an order on the part of American consular officials would not be consistent with their instructions from this Government and that it is hoped that the same consideration and courtesies will be shown American consular officials in Portuguese territory as are accorded such Portuguese officials in this country. Please obtain a definite reply and report by cable as soon as possible.
If a satisfactory reply is obtained you should ask the Portuguese Government to issue appropriate instructions to the authorities in the Azores and you should inform consulates.