811.2353/9a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Portugal ( Fish )

669. The Department has received a communication from the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommending the adoption of a policy providing for the sale to the Portuguese Government of aircraft of non-confidential character forced-landed in Portugal. Pilots of such aircraft will be instructed that they need not be destroyed unless they contain secret instruments which cannot otherwise be destroyed.

These recommendations were conveyed to the British Embassy in Washington with a view to obtaining an identical policy for both governments. The British Embassy has replied that an arrangement is already in force providing for the sale to the Portuguese Government of British forced-landed aircraft non-confidential in character. British pilots have received instructions similar to those which the Joint Chiefs of Staff are proposing to issue.

Please convey to the Portuguese authorities the recommendations of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and inform Department whether they are willing to enter into such an agreement.

Hull