PORTUGUESE ISLANDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24631, 12 June 1941, Page 7

PORTUGUESE ISLANDS

AMERICA'S POLICY ASSURANCE FROM WASHINGTON (Rec. 11.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, June 11. The Associated Press says , that Portugal delivered a formal protest against President Roosevelt’s references to the Azores and Cape Verde Islands. Despatches from Lisbon indicate that there is a concerted Portuguese press campaign demanding clarification of the President’s remarks. Mr Cordell Hull sent a Note to the Portuguese Minister giving an assurance that the United States harbours no aggressive intentions aeainst the sovereignty or integrity of Portuguese islands, but reserves the right of selfdefence. adding; “The Government of the United States cannot but view with increasing anxiety constantly-expand-ing acti of aggression on the part of a certain belligerent Power, which now threatens the peace and safety of countries in this hemisphere.”

In his recent speech the President said: “ The Azores and Cape Verde Islands, if occupied or controlled by Germany, would directly endanger the freedom of the Atlantic and our own physical safety. Under German domination they would become bases for submarines, warships, and_ aeroplanes, raiding waters which lie immediately off our coast and attacking shipping in the South Atlantic. They would provide a spring-board for actual attack against the integrity and independence of Brazil and ner neighbouring republics.”