The Feilding Star Oroua and Kiwitea Counties’ Gazette THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1927. PORTUGAL AND BRITAIN

Feilding Star, Volume 5, Issue 992, 6 January 1927, Page 4

The Feilding Star Oroua and Kiwitea Counties’ Gazette THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1927. PORTUGAL AND BRITAIN

It is cabled ' thn.it the Portuguese are showing tremendous enthusiasm regarding raising the means to pay off the debt incurred to Britain during the Great War. A wave of individual responsibility is sweeping the country, and is finding practical expression in decision by different groups, from military men to school teachers, (to contribute to the debt re_ duction fund. To this end. organisation is going forward’, and the objective is to pay off the debt b.V 'tbe end of this year. The total indebtedness to Britain is only £.24,000.000, so that the national effort, subsidised l>v the Government, should prove successful, with such enthusiasm behind it. How different, to th e 'attitude of France and Italy towards Britain as debtors! But. then, there is an ancient, bond of friendship between Britain and Portugal. When Britain decided in 1914 that there was nothing else for hei

to do but declare war against Germany to save Belgium, one of the greatest- .sheet's Berlin received was the decision, of Lisbon* 'to stand side by side with Britain. No neutrality for the Portuguese. They, were financed in their friendship by Britain, and John Bull did hot press pis friend fox repayment until Uncle Sam press ed John. A few months ago negotiations began between Lisbon. ■ and London, Portugal showing an earnestness to make good by contributing a £6,000,000 payment. As wag-the case With France and Italy, negotiations failed again and again; buit by • the end of the year a basis of settlement wa s arrived at, and this has sc pleased the nation, that the Portuguese are actually displaying national enthusiasm in. the matter of repay- 1 merit.. Well done, Portugal!