Portugal’s Attitude to Japan

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 210, 4 September 1943, Page 5

Portugal’s Attitude to Japan

LONDON, Sept. 2. The Portuguese Prime Minister (Senor Alazar) has issued a communique denying rumours, which are spreading, suggesting that Portugal will soon be changing her policy regarding the war. Prior to Senor Alazar’s announcement the Evening Standard's diplomatic correspondent stated that Portugal had ordered the complete mobilisation of her naval personnel and was serving call-up papers for the army. This may be followed by a declaration of a state of war between Portugal anu japan as a protest against Japanese atrocities in Macao (Southern China; and Portuguese Timor, adds the correa pondent. Two hundred Portuguese soldiers have been killed in Macao. Portugal has received reports detailing the atrocities against civilians. At least three divisions of the army are now available for despatch to the Far East. The Portuguese fishing fleet is being converted into armed trawlers and minesweepers. The Government has acquired large quantities of war materials and civil and military defence exercises are being held shortly. Developments in the international situation have imposed on the Government the creation of a defensive organisation which can be used against either external or internal enemies.