753.94/7–744: Telegram
The Ambassador in Portugal (Norweb) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:20 p.m.]
2104. Prior to our joint meeting with Salazar this afternoon, Campbell called on me and went over the ground in a brief conversation. Two points emerged from our talk both of which he said emanated from a high source in London which I take to be the Portuguese Ambassador:
- First, that in approaching Far Eastern matters, it must be borne in mind that the Portuguese place great weight upon the continued retention in their hands of Macao because of a strong belief that should the Japanese be provoked into occupying the colony, the question of recovering it from the Chinese after the Japanese are expelled therefrom might present certain complications which it is desired to be avoided. Campbell indicated that the British also had a large stake in Macao because of the large number of British nationals in refuge there.
- Second, that the Germans have served notice on the Portuguese Government that any action taken by the latter which might be considered by the Japanese as inimical to their interests would be similarly regarded by the German Government.
The foregoing two points are interesting in the light of my previous conversations with Campbell who it will be recalled (see our 1835 June 14, 6 p.m.83) has regarded a break with Japan as a development that might flow from the staff talks with the Portuguese. However, in our 1996, June 27, 6 p.m.,83 we remarked upon the omission from London’s telegram to Campbell of any reference to the possibility that the discussions might lead to a break in Portuguese-Japanese relations.
This omission assumes greater significance in reflecting upon my talk this morning with Campbell who was undoubtedly trying to convey to me a warning against looking for any immediate action by Salazar looking forward toward a rupture with Japan.