WOOING PORTUGAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23092, 18 July 1938, Page 9

WOOING PORTUGAL

MISSION FROM BRITAIN BUPPLY OF ARMAMENTS GUNS AND AEROPLANES (Received July 17, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 16 There have been interesting developments in the relations between Britain and Portgual', says the diplomatic correspondent of the Australian Associated Press. These have a direct bearing on the international situation. A British military, naval 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 in the Spanish conflict, Portgual may be compelled to receive Italian and German troops, which would immediately challenge Britain's specific obligations to Portugal and necessitate British intervention.

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 arrango for a supply, since tho success of tho mission is largely dependent upon it. In addition, a number of officers of the Portuguese Air Forco are receiving training in Britain, and pilots have arrived to take over 20 machines as an instalment of a'substantial order which <is to be executed as quickly as circumstances permit

Portuguese 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.