853.79681/88: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 29—2:16 p.m.]
735. From Murphy.40 My telegrams 630, April 16, 501, March 28, Algiers 554, April 15, and Lisbon’s 850, April 16.41 The Mediterranean Air Command has agreed to give consideration to the proposal of Aero-Portuguesa to operate a direct service between Lisbon and French Morocco, but with Rabat–Salé as the North African terminus instead of Casablanca.
The Air Command requests in return, however, that an appropriate approach can be made to the Portuguese Government with a view to obtaining permission for Transatlantic land transport planes operated by a civilian air line, carrying mail, freight, or passengers with civilian passports, to stop at the Azores for refueling. Recent reports of a flight from Gander to Marrakech, which passed close to the Azores, indicate that multi-motored aircraft could be flown from Washington or New York to Northwest Africa in less than 24 hours. Pilots agree that if the three fields in the Azores could be utilized the time required would be materially shortened.
The route would be feasible from May to October. During the winter months the route New York–Bermuda–Azores–Africa is more practicable. On both routes considerable saving in time will result and greater pay loads will be possible due to the reduction of fuel [Page 528] loads. In short, the use of the Azores will have great potential benefits for Air Transport.
The Air Command recommends that negotiations be undertaken with the Portuguese Government for the use of the Azores by the United States Air Transport on terms which might be similar to those which now exist as regards Lisbon. If improvement to airports in the Azores is necessary, it is felt that the United States Government might be willing to assist.
I concur in the recommendations of the Air Command.
To Department, repeated to Lisbon and Tangier. [Murphy.]