- 2 -
5. We are doing and will continue to do everything possible
to stiffen Portuguese morale but our means to action are at present
limited and we feel that one of the most effective steps which
could be taken would be the return to the Tagus of the United
States naval squadron which was withdrawn early in the war.
6. Please approach United States Government and inform them
of our fears that the situation in Portugal may develop unfavourably,
that we cannot effectively go to the help of Portugal at the
present moment, and that in our view a most effective step to
strengthen Portuguese morale and resistance to German pressure
would be for the United States Government to send back one or
more United States war ships to Portuguese waters immediately.
The United States Government might also like to consider a naval
visit to the Portuguese Atlantic Islands.