§ 1. Mr. Peter Morrisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent contacts he has had with the Portuguese Government about aid to Portugal; and if he will make a statement.
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. James Callaghan)I met Major Antunes on 7th October with other members of the European Council of Ministers and discussed with him the Community's offer of aid. An EEC mission subsequently visited Portugal to discuss the mechanics of implementing this aid offer and satisfactory progress was made. The Government also have a bilateral technical assistance programme to Portugal. In addition, we have made available an RAF VC-10 to take part in the Portuguese airlift from Angola and will be making a contribution to aid for Angolan refugees after they have arrived in Portugal.
§ Mr. MorrisonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he will have the entire support of the whole country in his efforts to promote and encourage democracy in Portugal? Will he tell us his latest information about Russian aid to the Portuguese Communist Party? Does he feel 1564 that it is in the spirit of the Helsinki agreement?
Mr. CallaghanI am grateful for what the hon. Member has said. It is our view that the people of Portugal have the right to choose for themselves what Government and régime they should have, and we do not welcome any interference from outside. I am not able to give any information about such Russian aid.
§ Mr. Ronald AtkinsDoes my right hon. Friend agree that, as our own resources are very limited, he should welcome aid being given to Portugal by any country?
Mr. CallaghanIt depends how that aid is given. If it is in the form of an attempt to achieve a particular political end by covert means, I do not think that it would be welcome.
§ Mr. Jim SpicerWill the right hon. Gentleman say a little more about the prospect for elections, which have been promised in Spain for next February? I am sorry, I mean the elections in Portugal—perhaps there is something to be said on both counts. Is not it a fact that the chance of those free elections being held in Portugal is very remote? Would it not be right for our continued aid to Portugal to rest in large measure on whether the elections are held on or about the promised date?
Mr. CallaghanI and my colleagues in the Community would not like to make the giving of aid conditional on the holding of elections at a fixed time. It has been generally understood that elections will be held and the Portuguese Government, who, in my view, represent most of the people in Portugal, are making valiant efforts to establish control over the country, although there are people attempting to upset their hold. It should be our stance to give every-assistance to the Portuguese Government to establish their position.