June 18, 1941
 
      
 
 
My dear Mr. President:
 
      
 
 
In the absence of Lord Halifax, Mr. Butler called to see me 
      this morning with the following message from the British Government: 
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Mr. Churchill apparently feels optimistic with regard to the 
      probability that Dr. Salasar will be willing in the event of 
      imminent German aggression to request Great Britain and the United 
      States to assist in the defense of the Azores. Mr. Churchill 
      feels, however, that plans should now be formulated as to the 
      action to be taken in the event that such a request were not 
      forthcoming at the crucial moment. He therefore suggests that 
      joint staff conversations be undertaken immediately between the 
      United States and British staff representatives in order to determine 
      the details of the action to be taken respectively by the two 
      Governments in such a contingency.
 
      
 
 
I told Mr. Butler that I would lay this request before you 
      immediately.
 
      
 
 
The President,
 
      The White House