840.48 Refugees/9–1444: Telegram
The Ambassador in Portugal (Norweb) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:52 p.m.]
2864. WRB 188. Portuguese Foreign Office, while sympathetic humanitarian aims expressed Embassy’s notes 498, August 17 and 515, August 31, feels it impossible to admit refugees falling in classifications outlined Department’s telegrams 2118, July 285 and 2332, August 246 without more effective guarantees from United States that all of these people, whether given US visas or not, will be speedily removed from Portugal by US if admitted. Ministry and government fear end of war and consequent decline US interest. Specifically object to statement that recipients of US visas after July 1, 1941 will only be admitted to the US subject to US immigration law and other limitations. Also object to indefiniteness of statement that US will evacuate those not given US visas as soon as possible. Desire US guarantee definite time limit on stay in Portugal for all coming under classifications Deptel 2118 and 2332. Also statement regarding specific country which has in advance accepted those unable secure US visas, and guarantee transport for evacuation of all visa and non-visa within comparatively short period. If above requirements impossible to meet, and they seem very formidable, doubt if Portugal will take affirmative action above notes. Embassy is asked for definite written guarantee along above lines.