811.34553B/7–2244: Telegram
The Ambassador in Portugal (Norweb) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:53 p.m.]
2271. Culbertson and I had a cordial meeting with Salazar this afternoon at which Culbertson presented President’s message and in so doing brought to Salazar’s attention the direct personal interest which President has in Santa Maria matter. Salazar read President’s message and Secretary’s letter97 out loud in English. Culbertson then pointed out that we appreciated position and problems concerning Portugal as a neutral and that we hoped he would understand our problems as a belligerent; that in connection with Santa Maria project we wished to make clear to Portuguese Government ultimate use which we have in mind for Santa Maria in order that there may be no future misunderstandings which ought to have been cleared at this stage [Page 57] in the negotiations; and that it was appreciated that Portugal requires cover of Panair construction of this airport but that it would be in fact the U.S. Government which did the work. Culbertson then called attention to urgency of matter and our desire that immediate authorization be given to undertake construction and that such authorization would permit sending to Santa Maria of all equipment needed not only for preliminary project but also all material needed for eventual full development of airport as required for purposes which we have in mind. It was pointed out that we hope to have from Washington by Monday98 a definite statement which Panair can present to Salazar giving a specific figure with regard to cost of airport and that it was hoped that with this presentation authority would be given so that mechanical side of this project might be put under way at once. It was, of course, brought out that development envisaged at Santa Maria was in mutual interest of both countries.
In reply, Salazar immediately discussed points brought out in President’s message. He called particular attention to necessity of maintaining Panair camouflage and he apparently felt that this was not quite clearly indicated in President’s message.
He went on at considerable length re necessity of appreciating Portugal’s position as a neutral and why it was necessary for Portugal to act in accordance with that position. In general, practically all of this part of Salazar’s statement is to be found in my previous telegrams. He said in reference to the point in President’s letter with regard to forwarding of materials necessary for project that there would be no objection to landing all material required for preliminary project as well as for the ultimate project which we have in mind. He appreciates thoroughly the time element and necessity for expediting this preliminary mechanical work in order to get it done ahead of change of weather later on. While he was emphatic in his position that question of the airport construction and its ultimate use must be kept separate, we are convinced that his mind is made up to a point where question of ultimate use may be worked out at such time as airport is in actual existence. He said he appreciated that the United States wanted an airport on Santa Maria even though it were “constructed by the devil”. Nevertheless he has certain legal problems to meet here and therefore certain procedure and formalities are necessary. He clearly appreciates that military personnel will be used in construction of this airport but requires that such personnel have appearance of civilians. He added that it was easier to make civilians out of military than to make military out of civilians.
We have an appointment to see him again on Monday and we therefore urgently need clearance in order that Long may present to [Page 58] Salazar a letter incorporating a firm offer and including a specific figure and an indication of length of construction period and terms of payment such as currency and place. He expects this to be followed later with a detailed contract agreement. Salazar stated that if he were to receive such a letter he could then move forward in a manner which would meet all his legal difficulties. As an indication of Salazar’s interest in this matter and of the fact, as we see it, that his mind is made up, he told us that he was not going back to the county for the week-end because this particular project was now his work at hand. There is every indication that, if we will continue to meet Salazar’s procedure and formula, we can obtain our long-range objective and that he is prepared to give the desired immediate authorization as soon as he receives the Panair letter.