853B.20/64: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Horta, Azores (Douglass) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:17 p.m.]
227. I have just been advised by the Military Commandant of Horta that in the event a state of alarm is declared by him in this island, no foreigners including consular representatives will be permitted to leave a certain specified locality for any reason whatever and that all telegraphic apparatus including the cable equipment of the Western Union Telegraph Company and the Commercial Cable Company must be turned over to the Portuguese Legion. The managers of the American [Page 240] companies upon inquiry of the military authorities were informed that if a state of alarm is declared, they will be obliged immediately to disconnect the transatlantic cables and evacuate their offices which will be occupied by the Portuguese Legion.
A state of alarm was declared in this island only last week in connection with air raid precaution exercises and might be declared again at any time without prior notice.
The managers of the American companies are reporting the matter to their New York offices.
This telegram is being repeated to the Legation.