Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XIII, Western Europe and Canada

328. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Portugal⁰

Washington, September 1, 1961, 10:23 p.m.

253. Paris for Embassy and USRO. Based on uncleared memorandum of conversation:¹ Secretary had second discussion with Portuguese Ambassador at working lunch August 31.² He used occasion to discuss Western position on Berlin and Germany at some length and to stress importance Portugal in NATO. Secretary explained need for build up in conventional weapons and said would be discussing opening negotiating position with NAC during next few weeks. Secretary said he expected negotiations with USSR to take place some time between mid-September and mid-October. He expressed hope that Portugal would not allow attitude on Angola condition participation in NATO. Said he had detected certain withdrawal from NATO on part Portuguese since Angolan question came to fore. Hoped Ambassador could use personal influence to reverse this trend. Secretary also stressed importance US attaches to closest relations with Portugal and assured Ambassador NATO members shared this sentiment. Also stated Angolan situation was as painful for allies as for Portuguese.

Secretary told Ambassador that US necessarily views questions such as Angola as peripheral and marginal when compared to Berlin crisis although he realized this question central in Portuguese thinking. Secretary also suggested Portuguese might well establish constructive relations with certain of Afro-Asians particularly Africans of the Monrovia group such as Nigeria. Ambassador seemed to appreciate value this suggestion.

Secretary welcomed Pereira’s assignment to Washington and said believed much could be accomplished through frank and relaxed discussions of mutual problems. Told Ambassador that at one stage consideration given to sending special envoy to Lisbon but he opposed this on basis envoy was coming here in person Ambassador Pereira.³

Ambassador expressed appreciation frankness of Secretary’s remarks and thoughtfulness in seeing him during this busy period. Assured Secretary he would convey these and any views in future to his government. Also said he was particularly appreciative Secretary’s kind remarks about importance his mission. Ambassador seemed particularly concerned over critical public opinion in US which he said it was important to change. He hoped friends in US and abroad would show more understanding of Portuguese position in Angola now that reforms announced. Assured Secretary importance Portugal attaches to NATO alliance in present crisis and said Portugal would do her part. Added although appreciative US stress on Berlin crisis he hoped US would understand Portugal faced with great problem in Angola which she considered vital.

Secretary emphasized this one of a series of meetings and that he hoped inform himself more on Angola situation and discuss it further with Ambassador at early date.

Rusk

0. Source: Department of State Central Files, 611.53/9–161. Confidential. Drafted by Blue and cleared with Tyler. Repeated to Paris, London, Madrid, Luanda, and Lourenco Marques.
1. Not found.
2. In Rusk’s first substantive meeting with Ambassador Pereira, August 22, Rusk reiterated the importance that the United States attached to a program of reform for Angola, while the Ambassador said that the situation in Angola was coming under control. (Telegram 213 to Lisbon, August 23; Department of State, Central Files, 611.53/8–2361)
3. On July 21 Tyler had sent a memorandum to Rusk expressing his and Kohler’s skepticism about sending a special emissary to Salazar even though the President had expressed his approval for the idea. (Ibid., 611.53/7–2161)