853B.7962/8–1547: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Portugal
us urgent
niact
589. Following contains suggested revisions in text of “formula”:
In view of the termination on December 2, 1947 of the agreement of May 30, 1946 granting transit privileges at the Lagens airport to United States Government aircraft serving United States forces of occupation in Germany and Japan, the Government of Portugal, animated by the spirit of international cooperation is prepared to grant transit privileges at this airport to US Government aircraft serving the US forces of occupation for the period of the occupation, provided that if this period exceeds ten years the question of further use of these facilities shall then be subject to further agreement between the two governments.
The foregoing privileges are granted on condition that the competent American authorities will accept full responsibility for all technical installations and services, maintenance and repairs having to do with the passage of US Government aircraft. The airport at Lagens [Page 1036] will of course remain under the full control of the Portuguese authorities.
The Portuguese authorities will be disposed fully to collaborate in the discharge of the foregoing responsibilities and, when deemed opportune, will favorably consider assuming part or all of the aforesaid responsibilities.
The Portuguese Government is extending similar privileges to the aircraft of the British Government.