853M.77/24: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Loanda, Angola (Linnell)
31. Your no. 5, October 26, midnight. The War Department has now formally requested the assistance of this Department in obtaining the use of Benguela Railroad and existing petroleum storage facilities at Lobito and has also requested that an agreement be entered into for the use of rail and port facilities, to specifically include, in addition to general considerations, the importation and shipment of boxed airplanes and automotive vehicles, spare parts and engines and machinery of all kinds, petroleum products including aviation gasoline, quartermaster stores and other military service equipment, and foodstuffs, beverages and medicines. Permission is also desired for military personnel in limited numbers, up to 40, to operate in civilian clothing and to be guaranteed transit on every goods and passenger train, together with permission for the necessary number of officers to reside in Lobito and supervise port handling and shipments.
War Department estimates following monthly shipments in near future to Elisabethville for full route load: gasoline, 966 long tons; subsistence, 5 long tons; maintenance materials tools and parts, 25 long tons. In addition it requests to be advised of the approximate amount of tonnage railroad can handle for United States Army.
The suggestion of the Minister of Colonies for simplifying procedure by having shipments consigned by a private company in the United States to a private company in the Belgian Congo or other point of destination, and that supervisors stationed at Lobito should be ostensible representatives of such private companies, is approved. Your suggestions in this connection will be helpful.
[Page 247]It is suggested that you also discuss with Minister of Colonies the possibility of authorizing simplified procedure obviating delays regarding issuance of visas at Leopoldville to American officials applying for admittance to Angola from West Africa in connection with the operation of this agreement.