PORTUGAL'S POSITION,

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 49, 26 February 1916, Page 4

PORTUGAL'S POSITION,

A curious message from Lisbon was published yesterday. The Portuguese Government was reported to have seized thirty-six Austrian and German ships which have been lying in v the' Tagae since the 'beginning' of the war, the Portuguese flag being' hoisted' on 7 board and the crews sent ashore. According to the Foreign Minister this was done for fear that the ships might endeavour to escape, and also because the ships were wanted for transport purposes. As a neutral Portugal would be entitled to take steps to prevent the e&cape of ships, and it is quite likely ] that escape has been contemplated. There ate bound to be active German influences in Portugal, and from what one reads of the Portuguese-navy, the harbour watch has probably been alack. Perhaps a word of warning has been given to the Government by the BritLsii Minister. But seizure of ships for trana: port purposes would be virtually- an act 6i war against Germany, and would mean that Portugal had decided to join the Allies. Earlier in the war .there was a good deal of talk of the possibility of Portugal joining Britain, and it was reported}. 4hat- ths German Government j that §he would. 7 ~"Tu> ' t%?S'" w on! ' old" treaties /of alliance between Portugal ana Britain. Portugal, indeed, is Britain's oldest friend, and until 1905 provided a tiny exception to the policy of "splendid isolation." The terms of the alliance, which is perr petual, provide that neither party will helri another nation, in attacking the other, or give" asylum to the enemies' of the other, except to political fugitives or exiles. Under truj provision apparently Portugal would have to refuse asylum to a German eraser "seeking to avoid capture. In case of war or invasion both Powers agree to help each other when required, *l*o to assist in the protection of ea<i other's colonies. There is special provision against attacks on Portugal by Spain or France. The qualification (< whei required" means that it Wea with England to say whether Portugal, shall come into the struggle. There are several objections t6 jßritain taking advantage of the treaty. Portugal could give us very little assistance, and the neutral World might regard as a sign of weakness Britain's application for help to one of the smallest and poorest of Powers. .One objection which could hatfo been jnade in the early part of the war, has been removefcrthe danger to Portu-r jnicse colonies in Africa bordering on German territory. There were, indeed, collisions between Portuguese and German frontier forces. This danger has been removed by the British operations. But it is not likely that Britain will ask for the help of her oldest ally, who would not go to war with *ny enthueUam.