811.34553B/144: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Portugal (Norweb)
1816. The British Embassy here yesterday presumably under instructions from London, orally informed the Department that the reasons for further delay in presenting the CCS decision to Salazar is that it is necessary for London to consult with the Australian Government. This is of course a new and different reason from that in London’s 119, June 20, to you.73 In view of the importance which the military here attach to this question in relation to the Santa Maria project it is our feeling and that of the War Department that unless you find serious objection to such a move you should seek an early appointment with Salazar in order to acquaint him with the CCS decision. Once such an appointment has been obtained Campbell could be informed of your intentions and invited to join you. If Campbell declines, your presentation of the matter would presumably be limited to the American point of view. In view of the very satisfactory progress being made in connection with the Supply Purchase Agreement, and in view of the shipment early next month of the 100 jeeps it is felt here that presentation of the CCS decision should not be held up pending final agreement on the supply questions. The reason for this is that the time element in connection with the Santa Maria project is becoming increasingly pressing. We are repeating to you a telegram of today’s date to London74 in which the Embassy is being instructed to urge upon the British the necessity for immediate answer. We do not feel, however, that your action in seeking an appointment [Page 38] and seeing Salazar should await receipt of an answer to the Embassy in London.
Sent to Lisbon, repeated to London as Department’s 4968.