- 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effective steps which could be taken would be the return to the Tagus of the United States naval squadron which was withdrawn early in the war. 6.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. |