853B.7962/10–2347: Telegram
The Ambassador in Portugal (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
869. Am most surprised to learn Portuguese disappointed because conversations re Azores not initiated same basis Russell proposal (Deptel 784, October 22). Am further surprised that they have not understood or accepted “explanation” (what explanation?) our inability resume on that basis since question has never in any way been raised with me.
I have repeatedly emphasized that facilities at Lagens represent important point of departure for American-Portuguese collaboration, but without suggestion of any quid pro quo on our part. Dr. Salazar perfectly understands that we entirely unable to give Portuguese any “empire guarantee”, etc, etc.
Since comments set forth in Deptel do not tie in with realities of situation as they appear here, I would be interested in knowing source of Department’s information; was it the Ambassador?1
- The Department in its telegram 791, October 24, 1947, to Lisbon, not printed, identified the source as the Counselor of the Portuguese Embassy (853B.7962/10–2347).↩