711.53/49: Telegram
The Minister in Portugal (Norweb) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:06 p.m.]
1749. It is becoming increasingly evident that the most important and immediate task with which I shall be confronted in my next talk with Salazar will be to induce him to come to grips on the matter of the use of the second airfield at Santa Maria somewhat sooner than he has indicated from past conversations that he is prepared to do.
There have, of course, occurred two developments which may tend to act in our favor: The settlement of the wolfram question and the military operations on the French coast. However, in addition to the prompt conclusion of a supply purchase agreement, the strongest lever we could possibly employ to induce Salazar to settle to our advantage immediately the use of the second airfield would unquestionably be a favorable response to Portugal’s inquiry as to participate in liberation of Timor as will be clear by reference to third paragraph of our 1526, May 19, in which Salazar stated as much. See also our 1581, May 24.
It is our view that the psychological moment is here when the Department might wish to release to me the appropriate instructions based upon the views of the Combined Chiefs-of-Staff as set forth in the Department’s 1443, May 21.
There is some question as to whether Salazar may not feel that he almost missed the boat in his timing on wolfram matter, the announcement having been preceded by news of invasion operations by some 24 hours; while he has this object lesson before him the time would appear ripe to strike with regard to the Timor matter.