853M.77/30: Telegram
The Consul General at Loanda, Angola (Linnell) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 20—10:56 a.m.]
30. In a further talk with Minister Colonies concerning Department’s 31, December 7, 9 a.m. [p.m.], he said he must consult Government Lisbon as to extent to which American Army material could be transported through Angola. He would also like to have American Minister, Lisbon discuss matter. He said Portuguese Government must, at least outwardly, safeguard its neutrality although it might permit within limits shipments of certain Army goods in boxes whose markings did not disclose their true contents. See my No. 26, December 4. However, the whole operation must be carried on as a commercial transaction.
He sails for Lisbon December 17 and promised cable Governor General at Luanda the decision reached. If arrangements for shipment Army goods are made he will also have Government instruct Portuguese Consul General, Leopoldville, concerning entry into Angola of necessary American personnel.
Instructions are requested whether I should go to Lobito before decision made in Lisbon and try to make tentative arrangements with railway for its use and possibly with Manubito for clearing goods through customs, et cetera. See Wells’ mailer No. 23, November 1 re Manubito.