§ 27. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether communication is permitted by the Portuguese Government between British citizens in Madeira and this country?
Mr. A. HENDERSONCommunications by sea between Madeira and this country are difficult since the Portuguese Government have issued a decree closing the ports of Madeira to foreign shipping. Permission was, however, given to the Union Castle liner "Armadale Castle" to put in at Funchal on the 23rd of April, and to take off passengers and mails. I am informed that telegraphic messages are coming through fairly well, though with some delay, owing to the fact that they are censored both by the insurgents and by the Portuguese Government.