740.00116 EW/9–745: Telegram
The Chargé in Portugal (Crocker) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:21 p.m.]
1884. Deptel 1454, September 6.35a Fairly definite indications are now at hand that Portuguese will refuse our request for repatriation of German officials and agents. French are instructed not to make major issue of affair and British would most probably not want to bring pressure for reason, inter alia, that Portuguese are now their creditors. All three Missions, however, agree that if Portuguese reply is negative, as we now anticipate, the situation should be thoroughly aired in press and on wireless and London and Paris are being so informed.
We also plan to request Portuguese to place all Germans on list in forced residence and in any event to assist in repatriation of those who volunteer, dangerous categories and holdovers from exchange group.
- Not printed; in it the Department expressed anxiety for an early initiation of repatriation by Portugal.↩