LEADER SINCE 1932

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31215, 12 November 1966, Page 15

LEADER SINCE 1932

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

LISBON, Nov. 11.

Whatever criticisms have been levelled at Dr. Salazar, the Portuguese leader, about his “mailed fist” rule of the country, the fact is that his government has led it to a prosperity unparalleled in its modern history.

He restored the country’s finances after more than a century of budgetary deficits, substituted order for constant revolution, developed public works in Portugal and its colonies and re-established national prestige abroad. Born on April 29, 1889, Dr. Salazar was one of four children of farming parents. His scholastic record was brilliant. First he became a doctor of law, then, in 1918 a professor of economics. His first taste of political life was bitter. Elected a Catholic Centre Deputy in 1921 was so unimpressed by debates in the national chamber he resigned the seat to return to the University of Coimbra. In 1926 he was offered the position of Finance Minister for the second time and accepted, only to resign five days later because the country’s military rulers would not implement his proposals to re-

store the country’s finances. In 1928, Dr. Salazar was again asked to become Finance Minister. He accepted, but made it clear that sacrifices were necessary. That year he produced a single comprehensive budget which met ordinary expendi-

ture out of normal revenue. There were no deficits in the Budgets that followed. In 1932, at the invitation of President Carmona, Dr. Salazar became Prime Minister and with the help of leading jurists drafted a new constitution.

During the following years, Dr. Salazar spent 45 per cent of the Government’s finances on defence, but also carried out important welfare developments. At the outbreak of the Spanish civil war in 1936, Dr. Salazar gave full support to General Franco, whose Government he recognised two years later. Military Service

Between 1936 and 1937, he set up the Portuguese youth movement to prepare youths for military service, the Portuguese legion and to fight communism in the country. There was an attempt on his life in Lisbon in July, 1937, but he escaped unhurt.

When World War II broke out his pacifist beliefs made him issue a statement on Portugal’s neutrality. Dr. Salazar succeeded in maintaining peace for Portugal and abiding by an alliance with Britain.

In 1949 he took Portugal into N.A.T.O. When President Carmona died in 1951, Dr. Salazar was offered the post, but declined.

Pop On B.B.C.— The British Broadcasting Corporation has offered to provide a popular music programme to replace the commercial pirate radio stations which a Government bill on its way through Parliament is intended to outlaw.—London, November 11.