Portugal, 1973–1976
153. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger, Genescher, and U.S. and West German officials discussed Portugal, as well as Spain and NATO.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, P820125–0430. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by David Anderson in EUR/CE on June 6; cleared by Hartman; and approved in S on October 29. The meeting took place in the Schloss Gymnich. Kissinger was in Bonn from May 20 to 21; while there, he also met with Antunes to discuss the situation in Portugal. (Memorandum of conversation, May 20; ibid., Records of Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Entry 5403, Box 11, NODIS Memcons May 1975, Folder 1) On May 15, as a result of an exchange of messages between Kissinger and Schmidt, Van Well met with Hartman, Sonnenfeldt, and Hyland for what Sonnenfeldt characterized as a “pretty grim” discussion on Portugal. (Memorandum from Sonnenfeldt to Kissinger, May 15; ibid., Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 5, Germany 1975)
154. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Ford, Kissinger, and Goncalves discussed Portugal and its relationship to NATO.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Entry 5403, Box 23, Classified External Memcons, May–December 1975, Folder 2. Secret; Nodis. The meeting took place in Ambassador Firestone’s residence. Ford and Kissinger were in Brussels from May 28 to 31, where they attended a NATO meeting and met with NATO leaders.
155. Summary of a Paper for the 40 Committee
Summary: The paper summarized a proposal for covert action in Portugal.
Source: National Security Council Files, Ford Intelligence Files, Portugal—GRF. Secret. This paper summarizes a July 12 memorandum to the 40 Committee on “Proposals for Political Operations in Portugal;” a note on the memorandum reads, “Approved by higher authority on 8 August 1975.” (Ibid.) On August 8, Kissinger told the 40 Committee that the proposal was “a scattering of effort.” Hyland asked, “What are we trying to do? Do we want to back Soares, Antunes, or what? Maybe we ought to go to Antunes and say we are going to back you to the hilt.” Colby replied, “We want to help the moderates and let them work out their own relationships.” Kissinger said, “This they will never do.” Kissinger instructed Hartman to chair a working group to devise an action and strategy plan, commenting, “Art, we want action, not philosophy. We’ve got to do something. The President has been bugging me to do something.” (Ibid., 40 Committee Meetings, Minutes/Approvals, 1975 GRF) No record of an August 8 discussion between Kissinger and Ford on Portugal was found. Under cover of an August 11 memorandum, Hartman forwarded to Kissinger an undated paper entitled, “Proposal for Further Covert Action in Portugal.” (National Archives, RG 59, Records of Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Entry 5403, Box 15, Misc Docs, Tels, Etc., 1975)
156. Telegram 4127 From the Embassy in Portugal to the Department of State
Summary: Carlucci reported his July 22 meeting with Antunes.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Europe and Canada, Box 11, Portugal—State Dept Tels To SECSTATE—NODIS (2). Secret; Immediate; Nodis. On July 11, Soares and the Socialists withdrew from the government. In telegram 170880 to Lisbon, July 19, Kissinger asked Carlucci to tell Costa Gomes and other moderates “that they will have our support if they decide to act to reduce the influence of radical elements” and to make similar points to those made to Antunes. (Ibid., Portugal—State Dept Tels From SECSTATE—NODIS (1))
157. Memorandum From the 40 Committee Executive Secretary (Ratliff) to Secretary of State Kissinger
Summary: Ratliff discussed the provision of assistance to Spinola.
Source: National Security Council Files, Ford Intelligence Files, Portugal—GRF. Secret; Eyes Only; Outside the System. Sent for action. Kissinger initialed his approval of holding the proposal for a meeting. Scowcroft wrote “OBE” on the memorandum. A July 25 memorandum to the 40 Committee proposed giving [dollar amount not declassified] to help Spinola “‘liberate’ Portugal.” (Ibid.) On May 5, Rodman sent Kissinger an action plan that Spinola had given to U.S. officials “as a result of our indication of interest—in principle—in providing support.” On July 19, Rodman sent Kissinger a revised plan from Spinola, who said “[less than 1 line not declassified]” (Memoranda from Rodman to Kissinger, May 5 and July 19, and Memorandum from Scowcroft to Kissinger, undated; ibid.)
158. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger, Sisco, Carlucci, Hartman, and Hyland discussed Portugal.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Europe, Canada, and Ocean Affairs Staff Files, Box 17, Portugal 1975 (10) WH. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Bruce Laingen.
159. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Ford
Summary: Kissinger discussed the study prepared in response to NSSM 221, U.S. Security Interests in the Azores.
Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box 35, NSSM 221—U.S. Security Interests in the Azores (2). Top Secret; Sensitive. Sent for information. Attached but not published are Tabs I and II. Ford initialed the memorandum. Another copy of this memorandum bears the handwritten date of August 15. (Ibid., National Security Adviser, NSC Europe, Canada, and Ocean Affairs Staff Files, Box 18, Portugal 1975 (11) WH) During a July 24 discussion of Portugal with Kissinger and Scowcroft, Ford said, “If the triumvirate takes over, that is bad. [less than 1 line not declassified]” Kissinger agreed, saying, “We should have Colby prepare a plan. But we must think about timing. [2 lines not declassified]” Scowcroft said, “[2 lines not declassified]” Kissinger replied, “Let’s get a plan, but don’t get Defense involved yet. They will leak.” (Memorandum of conversation, July 24; ibid., Memoranda of Conversation, Box 14)
160. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger, Sisco, Carlucci, Sonnenfeldt, Hartman, and Hyland discussed the possibility of civil war in Portugal, potential covert and overt assistance to non-Communists, and Angola.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Europe, Canada, and Ocean Affairs Staff Files, Box 18, Portugal 1975 (13) WH. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Bruce Laingen. On September 10, Kissinger told Ford, “On Portugal. We are heading for a split with Europe and the liberals on having Communists in the government. I think we shouldn’t give aid so long as Communists are in the government.” Ford said, “On Portugal, the Portuguese group yesterday said Meany wanted to send some people. Let’s work with him—can we use some 40 Committee money? If we work with him here it will show him we are tough. It will help with him with our things on the Soviet Union.” (Memorandum of conversation, September 10; ibid., Memoranda of Conversation, Box 15) George Meany was President of the AFL–CIO.
161. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Ford
Summary: Kissinger sought Ford’s approval of an increase in security supporting assistance for Portugal.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Europe and Canada, Box 10, Portugal (6). Secret. Sent for action. Ford initialed his approval of Kissinger’s recommendation. In telegram 5547 from Lisbon, September 20, the Embassy assessed the government reorganization that resulted in Azevedo’s promotion to Prime Minister as “a sharp break with Goncalves’ accelerating slide to the left and a stinging defeat for the Communists.” The Embassy concurred in Antunes’ suggestion that “US should understand that this is an important turning point in democratic evolution of Portugal;” the Embassy also agreed with assessment of Antunes and Soares that Azevedo’s government “is worthy of immediate and substantial US support.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, 1975, [no film number])
162. Letter From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs (Lowenstein) to Secretary of State Kissinger
Summary: Lowenstein discussed the status of the covert action program in Portugal.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Entry 5403, Box 15, Misc Docs, Tels, etc., 1975. Secret; Sensitive. Attached but not published is an undated status report.
163. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Ford and Antunes discussed the political situation in Portugal and Angola.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 16. Secret; Nodis. All brackets are in the original. The meeting took place in the Oval Office and ended at 1:05 p.m. (Ibid., White House Central Files, President’s Daily Diary)
164. Memorandum Prepared in the Department of State
Summary: Kissinger and Antunes discussed the political situation in Portugal.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 3, HS Chron—Official, Oct–Dec 1975. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only; Nodis. Drafted by the interpreter, Neil Seidenman. A memorandum of conversation on the discussion among Kissinger, Antunes, and U.S. officials that preceded this talk is ibid., Central Foreign Policy Files, P820123–2184.
165. Memorandum From Denis Clift of the National Security Council Staff to Secretary of State Kissinger
Summary: Clift briefed Kissinger on an upcoming WSAG meeting on the situation in Portugal.
Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box 20, Washington Special Actions Group Meeting, 10/13/75—Lebanon, Portugal, and Italy (1). Secret. The tab was not attached; entitled, “Portugal: A New Crisis of Authority,” it is attached to another copy. (Ibid., National Security Adviser, NSC Europe, Canada, and Ocean Affairs Staff Files, Box 18, Portugal 1975 (15) WH) No minutes of the WSAG meeting were found.
166. Telegram 6965 From the Embassy in Portugal to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy assessed the latest political crisis in Portugal.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, 1975, [no film number]. Confidential; Immediate. Sent for information to Bonn, London, Madrid, Moscow, the Consulate in Oporto, Paris, the Consulate in Ponta Delgada, Rome, Stockholm, the Mission to NATO, DIA, and USCINCEUR. Kissinger, Sonnenfeldt, Lowenstein, and Barbour discussed the U.S. position on the developing situation in Portugal on November 25. (Memorandum of conversation, November 25; ibid., Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 7, Southern Europe 1975)
167. Telegram 7084 From the Embassy in Portugal to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported the status of the Portuguese paratroop mutiny as of the evening of November 26.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, 1975, [no film number]. Confidential; Flash. Sent immediate for information to Bonn, London, Madrid, Moscow, the Consulate in Oporto, Paris, the Consulate in Ponta Delgada, Rome, Stockholm, the Mission to NATO, DIA, and USCINCEUR. In telegram 7090 from Lisbon, November 28, Carlucci recommended sending riot control equipment for the police as “a convincing demonstration of our desire to assist Azevedo and the GOP in a concrete fashion.” (Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Europe and Canada, Box 11, Portugal—State Dept Tels To SECSTATE—NODIS (4)) On November 29, the Department instructed Carlucci to notify the Portuguese that the U.S. would send the equipment. On December 4, Carlucci reported that it had arrived. (Telegram 282402 to Lisbon, November 29, and telegram 7231 from Lisbon, December 4; ibid., Portugal—State Dept Tels From SECSTATE—NODIS (2) and Portugal—State Dept Tels To SECSTATE—NODIS (5))
168. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford
Summary: Scowcroft sought Ford’s approval of the reprogramming of previously approved covert funds for Portugal and a request for new funds.
Source: National Security Council Files, Ford Intelligence Files, Portugal—GRF. Secret; Eyes Only; Outside the System. Sent for action. Tab A was not attached. Ford initialed his approval of Scowcroft’s recommendation; a handwritten note beside the initials reads, “12/4 (in China).” Minutes of the November 14 meeting of the 40 Committee are ibid., 40 Committee Meetings, Minutes/Approvals, 1975 GRF.
169. Telegram 7272 From the Embassy in Portugal to the Department of State
Summary: Carlucci reported comments recently made to him by Antunes concerning the November crisis.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Europe and Canada, Box 11, Portugal—State Dept Tels To SECSTATE—NODIS (5). Secret; Nodis. In December 1975, the U.S. rejected a MFA request for a small amount of money to buy small arms. (Memorandum for the 40 Committee, November 5; National Security Council Files, Ford Intelligence Files, Portugal—GRF)
170. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford
Summary: Scowcroft briefed Ford on the Portuguese economic situation.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Europe and Canada, Box 10, Portugal (8). Secret. Sent for information. Attached but not published is Tab A, an undated memorandum entitled, “Assessment of the Portuguese Economic Situation.” A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. Ford initialed the memorandum. On March 16, Zenha told Kissinger that “while we have won the political battle, we can only hope that we can have equal success on the economic side.” Zenha and Portuguese Secretary of State for Budget and Planning Vitor Constancio described Portugal’s aid requests from the United States as AID, PL 480, and Commodity Credit Corporation aid; designation as a GSP beneficiary; and eventual balance of payments assistance. Kissinger promised to give them “all the support I can.” (Memorandum of conversation, March 16; National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 10, POL 2 Portugal)
171. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford
Summary: Scowcroft sought Ford’s approval of a Presidential Determination for an increase in the PL 480 program for Portugal.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Europe and Canada, Box 10, Portugal (9). Limited Office Use. Sent for action. Hyland initialed the memorandum for Scowcroft. Attached but not published is Tab A, Presidential Determination No. 76–13, April 27, signed by Ford; Tab B, an undated statement of reasons for the waiver; Tab C, an April 3 memorandum from Sisco to Ford; and Tab D, an April 23 memorandum from Lynn to Ford. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
172. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford
Summary: Scowcroft requested Ford’s approval of the continuation of the covert action program in Portugal.
Source: National Security Council Files, Ford Intelligence Files, Portugal—GRF. Top Secret; Eyes Only; Outside the System. Sent for action. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text that remains classified. Attached but not published is Tab A, an April 20 memorandum for the OAG on “Portuguese Covert Action Program—Status Report and Forecast of Continued Needs;” Tab B, a June 11 memorandum from Bush to Scowcroft; and Tab C, the August 10, 1975 Presidential Finding on Portugal. Ford initialed his approval of Scowcroft’s recommendation on June 22. The 40 Committee discussed the continuation of the Portuguese covert action program on May 20 and June 19. (Memoranda for the record, May 21 and June 19; ibid., 40 Committee/OAG Meetings, Minutes/Approvals, 1976 GRF) In a September 23 memorandum to Scowcroft, NSC staff members Samuel Hoskinson and Ratliff discussed a proposal for a further minor reallocation of previously authorized funds, including a [text not declassified] (Ibid., Portugal—GRF)
173. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for Economic Affairs (Seidman) to President Ford
Summary: Seidman sought Ford’s approval of the designation of Portugal as a GSP beneficiary.
Source: Ford Library, President’s Handwriting File, Subject File, Box 7, Countries—Portugal. No classification marking. Sent for action. Attached but not published is Tab A, a July 14 memorandum from Dent to Ford on the designation of Portugal as a GSP beneficiary; and Tab B, two August 14 letters from Ford, one to the President of the Senate and the other to the Speaker of the House, both of which Ford signed. Ford initialed his approval of Seidman’s recommendation.
174. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford
Summary: Scowcroft forwarded an interagency intelligence memorandum on Portugal.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Europe and Canada, Box 10, Portugal (11). Secret. Sent for information. Attached but not published is Tab A, Interagency Intelligence Memorandum NIO IIM 76–034. A stamped notation on Scowcroft’s memorandum indicates the President saw it; Ford initialed the memorandum. The PSP won a plurality of votes in the April 25 legislative assembly elections; on July 22, Soares was sworn in as Prime Minister at the head of a minority government. Eanes won the June 27 presidential election and took office on July 14.
175. Memorandum From the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (Lynn) and the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford
Summary: Lynn and Scowcroft sought Ford’s approval of a fiscal year 1977 budget supplemental of $30 million in military assistance for Portugal.
Source: Ford Library, President’s Handwriting File, Subject File, Box 22, Foreign Affairs—Foreign Aid: Portugal. Confidential. Attached but not published is Tab A, a May 6 letter from Under Secretary of State for Security Assistance Carlyle Maw to Lynn; and Tab B, a September 15 letter from Maw to Associate Director of OMB Donald Ogilvie. Ford initialed his approval of the military assistance for Portugal.
176. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford
Summary: Scowcroft sought Ford’s approval of a Presidential Determination to permit the sale of agricultural commodities to Portugal.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Europe, Canada, and Ocean Affairs Staff Files, Box 19, Portugal 1976 (8) WH. Limited Official Use. Sent for action. Hyland initialed the memorandum on Scowcroft’s behalf. Attached but not published is Tab A, Presidential Determination No. 77–1, dated October 18 and signed by Ford; Tab B, a September 22 memorandum from Robinson to Ford; and Tab C, an October 4 memorandum from Lynn to Ford. A stamped notation on Scowcroft’s memorandum indicates the President saw it.
177. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford
Summary: Scowcroft sought Ford’s approval of emergency balance of payments assistance for Portugal.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Europe and Canada, Box 10, Portugal (12). Secret. Sent for action. Attached but not published is Tab A, a November 1 memorandum from Kissinger to Ford; and Tab B, an undated memorandum from Simon to Ford. A stamped notation on Scowcroft’s memorandum indicates the President saw it. Ford initialed his approval of Scowcroft’s first recommendation. Yeo described the proposed emergency balance of payments assistance package for Portugal in an October 28 meeting with Kissinger and other U.S. officials. (Memorandum of conversation, October 28; National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 10, POL 2 Portugal)
178. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford
Summary: Scowcroft sought Ford’s approval of the continuation of the covert action program in Portugal.
Source: National Security Council Files, Ford Intelligence Files, Portugal—GRF. Secret; Eyes Only. Sent for action. Attached but not published is Tab A, a November 5 CIA memorandum for the OAG on “Portuguese Political Action Program—Request for FY 1977 Funds.” Ford initialed his approval of Scowcroft’s recommendation on November 16.