811.34553B/7–2644: Telegram
The Ambassador in Portugal (Norweb) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:15 p.m.]
2311. ReEmb’s 2300, July 25. Following is translation of a letter dated July 26 received by Long of Pan-Air from President of the Council which is in reply to Long’s letter of July 24.
“I acknowledge receipt of your letter of July 24, in which you communicate to me that Pan-American is disposed to carry out for account of Portuguese Government the works of construction of an airdrome on Santa Maria Island referred to in the memo of the Presidencia do Conselho dated 14th and cited in same letter Pan-Air submits total tender of $3,130,000 in accordance with note attached for said works and for ‘taxi ways’ which were not mentioned in memo of 14th through involuntary forgetfulness, including also an amount destined for upkeep of road for heavy transit during construction.
“Since Pan-Air must submit the definitive projects for approval of the Government, it is not possible, before such submission and such act, to realize the contract with that firm. Although the intention exists to dispense with some formalities there will always be necessity to reduce to writing the essential clauses.
“However, given urgency of construction and necessity to utilize the best season for transport and unloading of construction machinery and materials and for work on the field itself, the Government authorizes Pan-Air to take necessary measures as from now which it may consider convenient for the purpose and even to commence on Santa Maria Island the works, inauguration of which is not dependent on the definitive projects.
“It should be understood that these will be presented to the Government within the maximum period of two months, proroguable for one more (month) upon request of the interested party and that the adjudicated price of the works is the above cited of [$]3,130,000 payable in New York in this same currency. The remaining conditions of the contract will be opportunely adjusted between the Government and Panair.
“The Government intends to maintain in Santa Maria a mission with which will be treated the matters of a technical nature connected with construction. The same mission will receive instructions to cooperate with the personnel of Panair in all that may be within its powers.
“With all consideration, (Signed) Oliveira Salazar.”
This is to be regarded as written confirmation of Dr. Salazar’s oral assurances to me that construction may begin at once.
Long is returning with Culbertson on Monday9 to the United States to consult with his principals in preparing the final contract. It will [Page 64] be necessary for him to make a brief visit to Santa Maria on his return trip to Lisbon in order to consult concerning certain final details with people on the spot.
- July 31.↩