§ 12. Mr. AYLESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, with reference to the Treaty with Portugal involving military commitments on behalf of this country to maintain the integrity of Portugal and her colonies, he can state what is involved in such an undertaking; and whether, in view of our adherence to the Covenant of the League of Nations, His Majesty's Government will take an early opportunity to terminate the treaty?
Mr. A. HENDERSONThe obligations derived from the ancient treaties of friendship and alliance with Portugal, all of which have been published, may be described in general terms as an obligation to go to the assistance of Portugal in defence of her territory against external attack. I see nothing in this obligation which is in any way inconsistent with the Covenant of the League of Nations, in the larger obligations of which the obligation towards Portugal may now be regarded as merged. I see, therefore, no reason for wishing to terminate an 884 association which has united the two countries in friendship for many hundreds of years.