THE PORTUGUESE DIFFICULTY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 932, 10 January 1890, Page 16

THE PORTUGUESE DIFFICULTY.

The differences between England and Portugal are becoming a little serious. A conclusive understanding be tween the two is as far off as ever, apparently ; and the cable messages do not throw much light upon the matter. The Portuguese appear to have been very backward in replying to Lord Salisbury’s communication, but what that communication is we are not clearly informed. Is it the despatch sent on November 21st, which we publish on the next page, or is it one of more recent date ? On December 24 our cables stated that Portugal was dilatory in replying to Lord Salisbury, and now our cables state that a reply has been sent in, but its purport is not known. We tnust_ assume, until better informed, that it is Lord Salisbury’s communication of November 21st that has been at last answered. The reply published by the London Times does not seem to fit in, for nothing is said in Lord Salisbury’s despatch about the resignation of directors. We hope the Press Association will take particular pains to keep the Colony early and accurately posted with what is transpiring in connection with the Portuguese embroglio. It is not the direct issue between rhe two principals that causes apprehension so much as possible complications arising out of the dispute. Big wars have been precipitated in the past by: side issues, and may be again. It is satisfactory to be assured that Lord Salisbury has taken up a resolute attitude, and means to maintain it. At the same time the tone of the November despa"ch is moderate, even approaching the conciliatory. But Portugal’s action is anything but assuring in the interests of peace. She seems to be defiant, and is preparing for defence, thereby indirectly challenging assault. German engineers are assisting her. It is possible an understanding between Portugal and Germany may have been come to with regard to the disposal of African territory, but until we are better advised we must regard it as unlikely. At the same time a thirst for annexing is tantamount to a thirst for conquest, and Germany is plagued by the first and may be tempted to stretch points in the hope of slaking it. As we said before, prompt and trustworthy information is of the utmost consequence to the colonies, and we hope it will be surely supplied.