711.53/56: Telegram
The Minister in Portugal (Norweb) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 19—6:35 p.m.]
1902. Department’s 1728, June 15, 11 a.m.69 Campbell has confirmed to us today that he considers himself free to convey the CCS70 decision to Salazar at any time when we feel it desirable to do so and without further reference to London. It is not his intention to connect this in any way with the Santa Maria matter.
He did, however, observe that he found it essential to await further progress toward the settlement of the Supply Purchase agreement before approaching Salazar to propose staff talks and remarked incidentally that Salazar had shown little confidence that the agreement would be expedited by the British and ourselves despite assurances to that end. Campbell felt that much of the effect of the CCS decision would be lost if the timing were not careful. To the extent that we have made a commitment regarding early action on the Supply Purchase agreement, I agree that further delay might be misinterpreted in this respect.
In our view once we have taken action on the CCS matter, we are not only in the clear with Salazar but also with the British which will permit us to go ahead and arrange for the use of the second field without becoming involved with the Anglo-Portuguese Azores agreement should that still remain a possibility.
Sent to Department. Repeated to London as No. 285.