811.20 Defense (M) Portugal/1527: Telegram

The Minister in Portugal (Norweb) to the Secretary of State

1688. Salazar last night gave Campbell a promise to stop all mining in Portugal of wolfram and to prohibit all exports provided

(1)
A supply purchase agreement to run concurrently with the embargo should have first been signed. In this connection Salazar expects additional help by way of steel products and transportation.
(2)
The 100 tons wolfram due Germany under their last year’s agreement could be delivered.

Although this proposal on first impression has definite psychological appeal, the 100-ton item is galling in view of wolfram exports to Germany since March 1. I understand Campbell gave no indication that this condition might be acceptable.

Details with Embassy’s recommendations follow.

Sent Department. Repeated to London as 260. To Madrid by courier.

Norweb