811.34553B/144: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
4969. We are unable to understand why the Foreign Office as reported in your 4901, June 20, feel that the British Chiefs of Staff must again be consulted in this matter. It is the feeling here that since the decision was reached by the Combined Chiefs of Staff there is no basis for its ratification or review by the British Chiefs of Staff. So far as we are concerned the decision is final. It is interesting to note in this connection that the Embassy here has informed the Department, apparently on instructions from London, that the reason for delay in this matter is that London must now consult with the Australian Government which, it is alleged, initiated this whole question. This latter reason was not mentioned in your 4901 and it is apparently a new excuse for delay. As you know the military here consider the presentation of this CCS decision to Salazar as having important bearing on expediting the airfield at Santa Maria. In view of the fact that the Foreign Office is in agreement with the action which we propose and in view of the fact that the reason originally given by the British for delay in presentation of the decision no longer exists, it is our feeling that you might, unless you perceive serious objection, press for immediate and final answer.
Sent to London, repeated to Lisbon, as Department’s 1817.