853B.7962/12–247: Telegram
The Ambassador in Portugal (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
977. Saw Foreign Minister this afternoon. Expressed sincere gratitude for his and Dr. Salazar’s statesmanlike solution.
I told him that formula was acceptable and was, in principle, accepted [;] only then I went into matter of modifications. Concerning “American aviation (ATC)” I pointed out (1) that ATC might change its name at some future date and (2) that US Government planes other than ATC aircraft transit Lagens and inquired if wording of formula would present any legalistic hindrances. He categorically said that terms used meant all American Government aircraft, including Navy. I told him that his interpretation was sufficient. I then suggested that perhaps a synonym could be found for word “emergency” emphasizing that the word had taken on a special connotation in the English language. He said that he had thought of this himself, and that he considered “unforeseen necessities” would be a better expression of what was intended. I agreed entirely.
I thereupon raised the proposed residence of dependents at Praia da Victoria. The Foreign Minister quickly replied that this feature had been most difficult for him to work out. He said Dr. Salazar had at times been most rigid on the point, and that attitude of Minister War had been adamant. The Foreign Minister finally suggested that he would see what could be done about allowing some dependents at [Page 1052] Lagens, perhaps families of officers. I made strong appeal to get some dependents out for Christmas. He jumped at this and said that it would give him a good talking point with Dr. Salazar.
The interview, which was most friendly and characterized by sincere desire of Foreign Minister to assist us, ended by his assuring me that he would see Dr. Salazar this evening and also contact Minister War.
To recapitulate: from conversation with Foreign Minister it is clear that all US Government aircraft can transit Lagens; that probably a satisfactory synonym for “emergency” will be found and, finally, that part of the dependents (officers families) will be permitted to reside at Lagens. On subject of getting all dependents at Lagens I went all out but attitude of Dr. Salazar and Minister War is such that I don’t think we can accomplish this immediately. I think however that we have our foot in the door. I might add that Foreign Minister suffers from no illusions that we can rent premises at Praia da Victoria; he realizes that we have to build. Surely building a few beaverboard houses in neighborhood of Praia, which is very near Lagens, would involve neither great expense nor inconvenience. In any event the women and children would spend their days at Lagens. From my visit there I would say that living in vicinity of Praia would present no more inconvenience than for State Department personnel to reside in vicinity of Dupont Circle.
I gave Colonel Warren and Major Hammond tremendous buildup and also hinted that Colonel Matalo should be brought over from Lagens to work on operating agreement.