Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East: China, Volume VIII

893.00/6–1449: Telegram

The Ambassador in Portugal (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State

Lisbon, June 14, 1949—4 p. m.
[Received June 14—2:58 p. m.]

216. Foreign Minister⁵⁹ assured me this morning that Portuguese Minister Canton has been instructed to conform actions to those of US and UK colleagues (infotel June 13, 4 a.m.⁵⁸); if move made to Hong Kong, Minister will leave Consul [in] Canton to take care of Portuguese nationals.

Expressed special interest US efforts encourage western powers continue contact with Chinese Government and reiterated his belief in supreme importance concerted attitude (mytel 187, May 19⁶⁰).

Added that following apparent crystallization British intention hold Hong Kong Portuguese Government sending four battalions of approximately 1,000 each to Macau, to reinforce present garrison of 2,000 plus 1,000 armed police. Two of new battalions will be Portuguese and two African native.

MacVeagh

59. Dr. José Caeiro da Mata.
58. Not printed.
60. Vol. ix, p. 26.