§ 1. Mr. G. Straussasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any agreement has yet been reached with the Portuguese Government over the supply of wolfram to Germany.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)Our conversations with the Portuguese Government have not yet been concluded and I regret that I am not therefore yet in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. StraussDoes there appear to be any prospect that these negotiations will be concluded before the war ends?
§ Mr. EdenIt has been made exceedingly plain to the Portuguese Government how much importance we in this country and our Allies attach to the question.
§ Mr. CocksHas the right hon. Gentleman thought of pointing out to the Portuguese Government that their action in this matter is inconsistent with the terms of our ancient alliance and that we expect them to conform to those terms as honourable people?
§ Mr. EdenI think my previous answer shows that we have made our position pretty plain, and I do not think the Portuguese Government can have any doubt as to the importance that we attach to the matter. In view of their attitude over the larger question of the Azores, we feel entitled to ask them for full co-operation.