741.53/121: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)65
4856. Your 5051, August 4, 4 p.m. and 4285, June 29, 10 p.m. With regard to the British assurances, this Government is ready to communicate to the Portuguese Government (1) its concurrence in the undertaking to withdraw troops upon the termination of hostilities and (2) its agreement to respect Portuguese sovereignty in all Portuguese colonies.
With regard to the other conditions laid down by Dr. Salazar, our Chiefs of Staff, with the President’s approval, have indicated to the British Chiefs of Staff that while appreciative of the delicacy of conversations now in progress between the British and the Portuguese, nevertheless any agreement restricting facilities in Bracken to British aircraft is unacceptable to this country and would not be in harmony with the Trident Agreement. They have further indicated the vital importance that Bracken facilities be accorded air ferry, transport and military operations for this country. Obviously [Page 542] this would necessitate adequate protective and ground maintenance personnel.
- Department’s file copy of this telegram is endorsed “FDR” in the President’s hand. Telegram No. 5313, August 13, from London, reported that the message in this telegram had been transmitted to Foreign Secretary Eden and that the Foreign Office had informed Ambassador Winant on August 13 that the British reply would be made through the British Embassy in Washington and the Chiefs of Staff (741.53/122).↩