§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the political situation in Portugal?
Mr. A. HENDERSONThere has recently been a series of movements against the Portuguese Government in various Portuguese territories. Those in the Azores, Cape Verde Islands and Portuguese Guinea have collapsed, but that in Madeira has been so far successful that the insurgents are inde facto control of the island. The movement in Madeira was organised by opponents of the present Government in Portugal and 1390W is directed against the present régime. They demand the re-establishment of a political constitution by means of free elections. On the news of these movements being received at Lisbon, the Government proceeded to take measures to prevent any disturbances on the mainland; there were extensive troop movements and numerous persons believed to be opposed to the present Government were placed under arrest. As a result the country has remained calm. The Government is now concentrating considerable forces against Madeira, and the position of the insurgents appears to be becoming increasingly difficult.