811.20 Defense (M) Portugal/1460: Telegram
The Minister in Portugal ( Norweb ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:18 p.m.]
958. Although I have not seen a copy of the letter, I understand that Salazar’s written reply to the letter from Churchill referred to in my 896, March 25, 6 p.m. [a.m.], has been handed to the British Ambassador. I am informed that this letter is rather lengthy and that while its tone is extremely courteous its impact may be described as one of amiable obstinacy. It reiterates the arguments with respect to continued supplies of wolfram to Germany which were set forth in my 896 and toward its close I understand that it gives an additional reason for not denying the enemy wolfram at this time: The fact that Germany [Page 101] is also fighting against the Soviet Union, indicating in substance that Salazar is less hostile to Germany than to the Soviet Union.