HC Deb 26 May 1939 vol 347 cc2682-3
12. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the recent specific re-affirmation by Dr. Salazar, the Portuguese Prime Minister, of Portuguese fidelity to their alliance with Great Britain, he will re-affirm the policy of His Majesty's Government to fulfil their obligations under the said alliance?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. As the Prime Minister has already informed Dr. Salazar in a personal message, His Excellency's recent declaration that the ancient alliance between our two countries continued to be one of the unchanging principles of Portuguese policy, was received with the liveliest satisfaction both by His Majesty's Government and by the nation as a whole. His Majesty's Government for their part unhesitatingly reaffirm their determination to fulfil their obligations under this alliance, which will continue to be a potent instrument in the service of world peace. The ties which unite our two countries, as Atlantic and colonial Powers, have always been close, and it is the sincere wish of His Majesty's Government that they may long remain so.

I would like to take this opportunity, in view of misapprehensions which apparently continue to exist, of reaffirming the statement made by the then Foreign Secretary on 21st December, 1937, that, as far as His Majesty's Government are concerned, certain pre-War proposals in regard to Portuguese territory are dead, and we have not the least intention of trying to revive them.

Mr. De Chair

Are we to understand from that statement that there is nothing in the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance which precludes us from concluding alliances with any other country?

Mr. Butler

We can make alliances with other countries.

Mr. Bracken

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider suggesting to our dear friends the Portuguese not to deposit any of their money with the Bank for International Settlements?