911.5270/11–2053
The Director, Office of Transportation and Communications Policy ( Barringer ) to the Director, Bureau of Air Operations, Civil Aeronautics Board ( Fitzgerald )1
My Dear Mr. Fitzgerald : I understand your staff is preparing [Page 66] data for the December 14 hearing on renewal of Pan American World Airway’s South Atlantic route certificate. In this regard, I wish to record the views of the Department of State.
The Department of State considers that the existence of this American link with the continent of Africa has assumed political significance and has greatly enhanced American prestige in Africa. A discontinuance of the route after some seven years of operation would be interpreted as a sign of lessening American interest in the area, and would be contrary to our many professions of faith in the growing importance of Africa. For political reasons, it is desirable that we not create such impressions. More specifically, the following considerations should be taken into account:
- (1)
- The service stops at Roberts Field in Liberia. American influence in Liberia has been predominant and it is in our national interest that this close identification with the United States should be preserved. Continuation of the air service in question will materially serve this end.
- (2)
- The rapidly evolving British West African countries served either directly or indirectly by this route are expected to achieve full self-government in the relatively near future. The American-educated Gold Coast Prime Minister2 has demonstrated by word and action his deep desire to retain our moral support in the realization of Gold Coast aspirations for complete self-government. He has shown a desire to encourage American investment and technical knowledge in order to lessen the present British dominance of his country’s economy. Sudden withdrawal of Pan American’s service would be interpreted as an indication of lessening American interest. It would most likely result in an approach to other non-British countries for moral and material support. A similar attitude could be expected in Nigeria and Sierra Leone which are indirectly served by this route.
- (3)
- The Union of South Africa’s geographic position has been a factor in the development of its isolation and unyielding nationalism. Air transport is having an important effect in overcoming those tendencies. Direct air service between the United States and the Union has brought the two countries into closer contact and strengthened the American position in the Union. This service is regarded in the Union as an example of our acknowledgement of the Union’s importance. BOAC, KLM, Sabena, SAS, Swissair, and Union Aeromaritime de Transport, as well as PAA, operate services to the Union. South Africans are extremely sensitive to actions which they feel tend to diminish the Union’s position in world affairs, and withdrawal of PAA would be interpreted as lack of American interest. At the present delicate stage in the political and economic development of South Africa, it is important that American influence be furthered. No United States Government action should be taken which would lower our prestige or cast doubt on our interest in a strong South Africa.
- (4)
- An increasing number of Americans are using the service as a quick and direct means of traveling to and from the African continent. American investments, especially in the Union of South Africa and Liberia, are already significant.
- (5)
- The route has materially assisted the Department in keeping in close contact with its diplomatic and consular establishments in large areas of the African continent by means of couriers and unaccompanied air pouches. A discontinuance would make the problem of quick communication much more complex from a security and financial point of view.
In view of the foregoing considerations, this Department wishes to record its view that continuance of this route is in the national interest of the United States.
Sincerely yours,