811.34553B/7–1244: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Portugal (Norweb)
1974. With regard to the operating squadron for Lagens the Department recognizes the necessity for full British support as the entire Lagens operation is under the British-Azores agreement. Nevertheless the Department perceives no reason why you should not as well discuss this matter directly with Salazar. This would have the advantage of insuring full and accurate presentation of this Government’s views thus eliminating a possibility of misunderstanding.
In this connection you are requested to communicate the following to Dr. Salazar:
“Experience has shown the inadequacy of anti-submarine air-strength now in the Islands for furnishing requisite coverage for Mediterranean convoys. This inadequacy has necessitated the employment of carrier-based aircraft which might be released for use elsewhere in prosecuting the war if our additional squadron of B–24s could operate from Lagens.
The British Admiralty desires to have our Navy squadron in the Azores as this would permit the Admiralty more effectively to operate against submarines in the North Atlantic.
The U.S. Navy squadron we propose to place in Lagens will bear British markings in addition to U.S. markings, and in reaffirming this it is pointed out that the contemplated step corresponds identically with a situation which for many months has existed in the British Isles where three of our B–24 squadrons operate under the Coastal Command.”