§ Mr. RONALD M'NEILLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 1863 whether, as stated by the Prime Minister of Portugal, under the provisions of the Anglo-Portuguese treaty of alliance Great Britain is bound, in the event of attack being made on any Portuguese colony, to assist Portugal with troops or ships of war?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)The alliance between Great Britain and Portugal rests on a number of treaties. The text of these is given in full in the Blue Book Miscellaneous No. 2 (1898) Command Paper 9088, to which I would accordingly refer the hon. Member.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEWhich is the latest treaty?
§ Mr. ACLANDI think 1815; and the earliest 1376.
§ Mr. KINGHas the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the fact that the Premier of Portugal referred to a secret treaty between this country and Portugal?
§ Mr. ACLANDI think I must ask my hon. Friend for notice of that question.
§ Mr. RONALD M'NEILLCan the hon. Gentleman not say whether, in these various treaties, there is a stipulation to the effect mentioned?
§ Mr. ACLANDThe treaties are many and complicated, and I would rather refer the hon. Member to the treaties themselves.