811.34553B/10–1144: Telegram
The Ambassador in Portugal (Norweb) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:50 p.m.]
3118. As the Department is now aware, Salazar has authorized the renewal of construction at Santa Maria. This measure which represents a complete change in the situation was obtained with the greatest difficulty without a prior written confirmation on behalf of the United States Government accepting the principle of Portuguese participation in the war in the Far East.
Salazar has consistently and forcefully maintained that this participation must form the condition precedent to “juridical and political basis” for the commitment which we have so earnestly sought from him. It has been on his understanding that such participation would be accepted that he has been talking about the matter all along.
I have obtained Salazar’s approval to renew work at Santa Maria on my personal assurance that I would recommend favorably to my Government a note to the Portuguese Government in the following terms:
[Here follows draft text of U. S. note of acceptance of formula for Portuguese participation in the operations for liberation of Timor. It is almost identical with that in the exchange of notes which forms an integral part of the final agreement. See footnote 32, page 84.]
This text appears to fit into the framework of the policy decision of the Combined Chiefs of Staff (Department’s telegram 1443 May 21, 3:00 p.m.) and of the President’s letter of November 4, 1943.30 Salazar will acknowledge simultaneously by way of confirmation.
Upon responding favorably to my strong appeal and after receiving my assurance that I would recommend the document to my Government Dr. Salazar handed me a draft agreement on Santa Maria, in general terms (provision being made in it for subsequent complementary protocols as needed), which with two minor amendments suggested by Col. Payne and accepted by Dr. Salazar admirably meets our requirements. Text follows:
[Here follows draft text of the basic Santa Maria agreement, which is substantially the same as the final text. See footnote 32, page 84.]
The procedure will be: 1. Presentation of my letter; 2. Salazar’s acknowledgment; 3. Joint signature of the basic Santa Maria agreement.
Analysis and comment will follow.