HC Deb 20 March 1912 vol 35 cc1862-3
Mr. RONALD M'NEILL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 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 HOPE

Which is the latest treaty?

Mr. ACLAND

I think 1815; and the earliest 1376.

Mr. KING

Has 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. ACLAND

I think I must ask my hon. Friend for notice of that question.

Mr. RONALD M'NEILL

Can the hon. Gentleman not say whether, in these various treaties, there is a stipulation to the effect mentioned?

Mr. ACLAND

The treaties are many and complicated, and I would rather refer the hon. Member to the treaties themselves.