PORTUGAL AND ENGLAND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1666, 25 January 1917, Page 4

PORTUGAL AND ENGLAND.

The prospect of a Portuguese force Joining Ihe allied armies in France —-which lias been lately realised —was recently discussed by the Marquis do Several, formerly Portuguese .Minister to the Court of St. dames. “'The policy of Portugal,'' he declared, “in ranging herself beside England to-day is merely the perpetuation of old traditions. The alHanee between the two countries is of immense antiquity. It dates back to the moment when the Moors -were attacking Lisbon, and I lie England Crusaders, chancing to be present in Portugal on their way home, assisted the Portuguese to

drive out (he barharie invaders. The alliance between the two countries was expressed in a practical way at the beginning of the last century, when Portugal was (he only country in Europe to refuse lo accept Napoleon's continental blockade against England. The result- was the invasion of Portugal by the Napoleonic armies. The alliance which we are. a bold lo see rat died once more by the presence of Portuguese troops lighting wilh Englishmen in France and Flanders may be traced lo the Treaty of between Don Juan 11. of Braganza and your Charles lE, who married the Portuguese Princess Catherine. To return to the Napoleonic epoch. When Portugal was invaded the spirit of the old treaty with the English was revived. England sent troops to Portugal, where Wellesley began the triumphant military career which was to be crowned with the Dukedom of ’Wellington. Again ' in (lie Small African war the Portuguese sided with their old ally. As a consequence of these.unbroken associations, extending over centuries, Portugal is now entering the actual Held to take her share in (lie operations. As a native of Portugal, L can only say that. I am very happv that this should he so. 1 thoroughly endorse what is, after all, a most proper coarse, one which must be equally agreeable to every Portuguese, whatever his political opinions.”