HC Deb 13 April 1938 vol 334 cc1094-5
11. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Prime Minister what treaty undertakings exist between this country and Portugal; which is the instrument governing them; and whether the commitments involving, in certain circumstances, the use of our arms for purposes other than our own defence extend to Portuguese possessions overseas?

Mr. Butler

The undertakings are contained in a number of treaties, a list of which I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The hon. Member will see that some of the instruments in question refer specifically to the Portuguese possessions overseas.

Mr. Bellenger

May I ask the Prime Minister whether this is one of the obligations for which this country may use its arms, and whether, as these treaties date back to 1373, this is not an appropriate moment to have them brought up to date?

Mr. Butler

These treaties were confirmed as a whole in 1899, and the preamble to the treaty with Portugal, 1901, known as the Treaty of Windsor, referred to the alliance between the two countries, and thus recognised the validity of the old treaties.

Mr. Mander

Are we going to war with Portugal?

Following is the information:

The undertakings are contained in treaties concluded respectively in the years 1373, 1386, 1642, 1654, 1660, 1661 and 1703, which have further been reaffirmed by Article 3 of the Treaty of 22nd January, 1815, the Declaration of 14th October, 1899, and the Arbitration Agreements of 16th November, 1904, and 16th November, 1914.