740.00116 EW/7–2845: Telegram
The Ambassador in Portugal (Baruch) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:30 p.m.]
1577. Officer of Embassy discussed informally on July 21 with Director of Political Affairs of FonOff24 question of repatriation of German officials and agents. Judging from this conversation attitude of Portuguese Govt may be summarized as follows:
- 1.
- Some assurance will be required that former German officials or agents will not be sent to Soviet occupied Germany.
- 2.
- Portuguese authorities will assist us to repatriate only those Germans who desire to return to Germany.
- 3.
- Germans who refuse repatriation will be accorded status of political refugees and permitted to remain in Portugal.
- 4.
- Portuguese Govt will make exceptions only in event that we are able to prove in a given case that the individual is a war criminal or an actual or potential saboteur and is in general dangerous to Portuguese security.
French and British Missions have been informed and are reporting to their Govts accordingly.
It is our impression that local protests will be unavailing and that only if the strongest pressure is exerted by Washington, London and Paris will the Portuguese change their viewpoint on this matter and we recommend that this be done since fate of Safehaven program also involved.
Sent to Dept, repeated to Madrid as 169, London as 369, and Paris as 264 for USPolAd25 Frankfort.