Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXIV, Africa

454. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Portugal¹

Washington, October 8, 1968, 0007Z.

251405. Ref: Lisbon 2055.²

1. USG policy remains firm that no military equipment, weapons or munitions from US stocks or American firms can be supplied to GOP without clear assurance that they will be used only in North Atlantic Treaty area.

2. Regarding non-munitions list commercial aircraft and vehicles (including trucks) with specifications practically identical to those in normal military use, USG will continue to review each such order on individual basis. When any order appears intended for counter-insurgency or is probably destined for police or armed forces use in African provinces, approval will presumably not be given.

Katzenbach

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19–8 US–PORT. Secret. Drafted by S.G. Gebelt of EUR/SPP on October 4; cleared by Deputy Assistant Secretary for European Affairs George S. Springsteen, Landau, Eric Rehfeld of EUR/RPM, Gorman of DOD, Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Thomas H.E. Quimby, Holmes, Licht of Commerce, IO/UNP Officer in Charge of Dependent Area Affairs Donald McHenry, Seymour S. Goodman of E/EWT, and John M. Bowie of G/PM–MC; and approved by Deputy Assist-ant Secretary for Politico-Military Affairs Philip J. Farley.
2. In telegram 2055 from Lisbon, October 2, Bennett reported that the Portuguese Government was interested in purchasing “sorely needed” transport aircraft, trucks and wreckers, helicopters, and surveillance aircraft. He requested advice as to whether any of the items would be licensed for export to Portugal for unrestricted use. (Ibid.)