811.34553B/7–744: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Portugal (Norweb)
1941. Your 2109, July 7, 7 p.m. The Department is disappointed that, prior to or following your joint meeting with Salazar, you appear to have found no opportunity to press for definite answer concerning Santa Maria. We have reached the crucial moment beyond which we can delay no further without incurring incalculable loss. The Department cannot understand hesitancy on Salazar’s part in view of all the facts with which he has been confronted. We have extended to him an opportunity to serve vital Portuguese interest by facilitating the realization of this project. On February 26 Dr. Salazar stated,89 in connection with Santa Maria, that he was going to do [Page 46] something for the United States. This he has not yet done, and he should be advised that unless his decision is made at once, the opportunity will have passed.
You are requested to ask an immediate interview with the Prime Minister on most urgent grounds and to state to him that you are acting under instructions from your Government in asking an immediate affirmative reply, and in advising him that any further postponement of his decision must be construed by this Government as a negative decision. His reply should include acquiescence in our proposals respecting construction, use, and control.
Your discussion should be limited to this one subject.
Please acknowledge this cable immediately and report currently on every development.