840.20/10–848: Telegram
The Ambassador in Portugal (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
554. Deptel 451, September 26. After conferring with me, British Ambassador1 yesterday handed Foreign Minister2 following aide-mémoire:
“As Portuguese Government will no doubt be aware from reports in press, exploratory conversations opened early July in Washington between signatories of treaty of Brussels and representatives of governments of US and Canada. From these discussions has now resulted proposal submitted to seven governments represented for conclusion of pact of mutual assistance among North Atlantic countries. It is felt that parties to such agreement could make greater contribution to maintenance of law and order in combination than they could acting as individual powers. Strengthening of coordinated capacity of parties to resist aggression should, moreover, in itself tend deter aggression. Proposed security pact would be in harmony with UN charter (see [Page 263] specially Articles 51 and 52) and in some measure follow precedent of Western Hemisphere defense treaty signed Rio 2 September 1947.
“It has been agreed that, in order be fully effective such pact should include not only US, Canada and Brussels treaty countries, but also certain other North Atlantic countries, such as Portugal, Norway, Iceland and Denmark. Proposals formulated Washington are now being studied by seven governments which participated in Washington talks. It would, of course, be improper anticipate final decisions those governments. If, however, proposals eventually approved, it is intended approach other governments, including that of Portugal, in order ascertain whether those governments would be prepared become parties to projected North Atlantic security pact.”
In conversation which followed, Foreign Minister, according Sir Nigel, expressed gratification over receipt of message and added he “had always felt something like this indispensable.” However, did not make clear whether he meant “something like this” to include Portugal. British Ambassador then said message intended merely as advance notice so that Foreign Minister might “arrange thoughts in case some day Americans or somebody else should come along and ask what Portugal would think of joining a North Atlantic security pact.” Also said that if, in course of reflection, Foreign Minister should have any questions, he would gladly do his best to answer, and was personally sure US Ambassador “would also be glad come along and have talks.”
Foreign Minister replied “message sufficient for immediate purposes,” and would reflect carefully thereon. He showed some interest, without asking directly, as to possible Spanish inclusion, and to this British Ambassador said question unlikely arise until Spain “takes some substantial measures to liberalize existing regime.” This connection Foreign Minister mentioned forthcoming municipal Spanish elections but Sir Nigel thought these unlikely sufficient.
Reporting generally on above, Sir Nigel told me he felt Foreign Minister’s reception of idea “warm,” though struck by fact he asked no definite questions. Felt Foreign Minister feared committing self in any way before consultations Salazar.
Have seen Foreign Minister personally myself today and advised him we fully associated with British in this matter, which he said he delighted to have confirmed. Believe, therefore, no additional démarche our part necessary in connection preparing Portuguese official mind for further developments, unless Department desires presentation parallel note for record. However, would welcome any information Department may currently be able to impart in view possible questions shortly.