811.34553B/46a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Portugal (Norweb)
2372. The U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff have indicated to the Department that they wish to obtain permission as soon as possible for the construction by United States engineers of a major airfield on Santa Maria or other suitable island. The Chiefs of Staff contemplate our use of such airfield, though it will be understood that the construction is for the Portuguese Government. The Chiefs of Staff consider in this connection that the desirability should be borne in mind of acquiring most-favored-nation commercial rights and continuing postwar rights for United States military supply to outlying military posts by air.
You are requested to seek an early interview with the Prime Minister and to submit to him a request for permission to undertake for his Government the proposed construction. Should the Prime Minister prove unwilling to commit himself to this now, the Chiefs of Staff desire you to press nevertheless for permission to go ahead without delay with reconnaissance and surveys on Santa Maria or other suitable island with the view to eventually coming back to the principal question.
Please furnish your comment and the Prime Minister’s reaction as soon as possible.