811.34553B/42b: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Portugal (Norweb)
Washington, December
23, 1943—midnight.
2343. Your 2911, December 2, 5 p.m. The following preliminary formula for utilizing Lagens has been agreed upon with the British and you are requested to communicate it orally to Dr. Salazar:
- (1)
- For the assistance of the British in the expansion of their facilities at Lagens personnel and equipment of the United States Army will be transported to Terceira. This assistance will consist mainly in improvement and enlargement of housing facilities and improvement of such operational facilities as taxi tracks, hard standings, runways, communications and lighting. If necessary further assistance will be extended in augmenting the British supply of aviation fuel. Such United States Navy equipment and personnel as may prove desirable in assisting in developing Lagens will likewise be provided.
- (2)
- For assisting the British in caring for United States and British transport and ferried aircraft through Lagens operating personnel, mainly of U. S. Army, will be transported to Terceira.
- (3)
- United States and United States personnel activities at Lagens will be directed toward the assistance of the British, under whose control those operations will be.
- (4)
- Thorough instructions will be given all United States personnel respecting the nature of Lagens operations as described above.
- (5)
- All restrictions set forth in the existing Anglo-Portuguese agreements, whether applicable to Lagens, to territorial waters of Portugal, or to other Azores land areas, will be adhered to fully by United States personnel.
Hull