United States | Communique to Portugal

[Odinson]

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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO THE PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC​

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ENCRYPTED MESSAGE​

TO: Pedro da Gama, President of The Portuguese Republic ( Bruno )​

FROM: Vincent Ford, United States Ambassador to The Portuguese Republic

Your Excellency,

The secessionist situation in Catalonia has been a very concerning matter to the United States Federal Government. President Sinclair has communicated with Prime Minister Sánchez in Spain and has expressed that the United States offers its full support to the Spanish Government. Moreover, so long as the Spanish government continues to act within the bounds of international law, it is the official position of the United States that Spain must be able to handle this situation in whatever way it sees fit as it is a sovereign nation. My government hopes that this situation is able to be resolved peacefully and quickly.

With that being said, Portugal does of course share a significant border with Spain. While I know that Catalonia is not a part of that border, I nevertheless imagine that this situation is probably worrisome for the Portuguese government. The Pentagon is currently considering whether or not the United States should have military assets near the Iberian Peninsula in order to ensure that no one tries to take advantage of the compromised position that Spain is currently in. If you feel that Portugal needs any aid in national defense during this crisis, please let me know and I can pass that information on to Washington.​

Respectfully,

Vincent Ford
United States Ambassador to The Portuguese Republic
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[Bruno]

SECRET

From: Pedro da Gama, President of The Portuguese Republic To: Vincent Ford, United States Ambassador to The Portuguese Republic CC: Classification: Confidential

Dear Ambassador Ford, Odinson

Thank you for your message regarding the situation in Catalonia and the offer of assistance from the United States. We appreciate the concern and support expressed by President Sinclair and the United States Federal Government.

Portugal is closely monitoring the situation in Catalonia and remains confident in the ability of Spanish institutions to resolve this matter rapidly and democratically. We believe in the strength of Spain's democratic framework and its commitment to upholding the rule of law. At this juncture, we do not foresee the need for military intervention, either by Portuguese or American forces. We are optimistic that the situation will be managed through diplomatic and political channels, in accordance with international law.

Furthermore, I would like to inform you that Portugal is actively engaged in dialogue with our Spanish counterparts. We are working around the clock to offer our support and assistance in any way that may be required. Our goal is to ensure that the situation is resolved peacefully and in a manner that respects the democratic principles and territorial integrity of Spain.

Additionally, we are observing with concern the growing communist sentiment in various parts of the world. This trend is indeed worrying for the Portuguese Government, as we believe in the values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. We remain vigilant and committed to promoting these principles both at home and abroad.

I would like to remind you of our previous correspondence regarding the Lajes Air Base. As a gesture of our continued cooperation and friendship, Portugal remains open to discussions regarding discounted and/or production licenses for selected technologies, should the United States find this arrangement beneficial.

Thank you once again for your message and the offer of support. We value the strong relationship between our two nations and look forward to continuing our cooperation on matters of mutual interest.

Sincerely,

Pedro da Gama President of The Portuguese Republic

 

[Bruno]

Odinson

 

[Odinson]

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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO THE PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC​

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ENCRYPTED MESSAGE​

TO: Pedro da Gama, President of The Portuguese Republic ( Bruno )​

FROM: Vincent Ford, United States Ambassador to The Portuguese Republic

Your Excellency,

Thank you for the reminder regarding Lajes Air Base. If the United States were able to conduct certain operations out of this airbase, especially refueling missions, it could help ensure the security of Portugal as well as all of Europe. Furthermore, the mere permanent presence of United States forces in the Azores, even if very limited, would physically show our recognition of Portugal's sovereign claim to the islands.

With all of that being said, please inform me of what equipment or vehicles that your government is interested in obtaining, and I will prioritize this consideration with the State Department and the Department of Defense.​

Respectfully,

Vincent Ford
United States Ambassador to The Portuguese Republic
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[Bruno]

TOP SECRET – Property of the Portuguese Republic

Portuguese Republic
Office of the President of the Portuguese Republic ​

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Lisbon, 2007

Your Excellency, Odinson

I would like to express my gratitude for your message and for the continued attention of the United States Government towards both Portugal and our shared strategic interests.

Regarding the matter of Lajes Air Base, Portugal recognizes the importance of ensuring security across the Atlantic and within Europe. To that end, we are open to the permanent presence of a limited number of United States forces in the Azores, strictly for refueling operations and the stationing of a modest contingent of combat aircraft. These forces would operate in close coordination with Portuguese units, and any missions directed against third parties would, without exception, require prior authorization from the Portuguese Government. This arrangement would not involve the payment of rent, but rather stand as a symbol of partnership and shared defense between our two nations.

On the subject of defense procurement, Portugal is indeed interested in strengthening its Armed Forces through access to medium and medium-high grade American equipment. We understand that certain systems, such as the F-22, advanced aircraft carriers, and the newest generations of destroyers or missile cruisers, are not available for transfer. Instead, we would seek consideration for platforms and technologies traditionally cleared for export, including but not limited to vehicles such as the AAV-7, airborne early-warning assets such as the E-2 Hawkeye, as well as a range of ground vehicles, support systems, and other advanced—but export-compliant—equipment.

We would be most grateful if your Government could provide a clear outline of which systems may be considered for acquisition, and which remain off-limits, so that Portugal may align its modernization priorities accordingly. In return, we are fully prepared to prioritize these considerations within our procurement strategy, in a manner that enhances interoperability between Portuguese and American forces.

Portugal places great value on its long-standing alliance with the United States and looks forward to deepening our cooperation in both the strategic and defense spheres.
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Pedro da Gama
President of the Portuguese Republic
Portuguese Republic​

TOP SECRET – Property of the Portuguese Republic