Portugal Embarrasses Britain

Northern Advocate, 16 July 1938, Page 7

Portugal Embarrasses Britain

(Received 1 p.m.) LONDON, July 15. There are interesting developments in the relation between Britain and Portugal, says the diplomatic correspondent of the Australian Associated Press. These have a direct bearing on the international situation. A British naval, military and air mission has been in Portugal for many weeks reorganising the forces there, and this has resulted in Italy and Germany lately making a bold bid for Portuguese sympathies. It is thought that if General Franco is successful, Portugal may be compelled to receive Italian and German troops, which would immediately challenge’ Britain’s specific obligation to Portugal and necessitate British intervention. Meanwhile, the British mission is prolonging its stay, and reconsidering the whole situation. The Portuguese are pressing Britain urgently to supply modern artillery and other weapons, failing which she must seek them from Germany. This, while flattering to Britain, is equally embarrassing, because Britain requires all her own armaments. ■ However, it is understood that Britain will arrange a supply, since the success of the mission is largely dependent on it. Meanwhile, Portugese newspapers give great prominence to the visit of two British warships to Angola, which coincides with the visit of Dr. Antonio Salazar, Prime Minister and virtual-Dictator of Portugal.