The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1916. THE LATEST ALLY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 81, 11 March 1916, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1916. THE LATEST ALLY.

The fact that Germany has declared war on Portugal is not likely to cause much perturbation in the country which Britain claims as her oldest ally. On the other hand some considerable advantage to the Allies is likely to result, for many German vessels arc lying interned at Portuguese ports. Some little time ago it was surmised that Portugal’s summary seizure of (iiirly-six enemy interned ships was more than a precautionary measure. The escape of more than one German steamer from Spanish waters or Portuguese colonial possessions rendered peremptory and vigorous action necessary, and Portugal took the right action. It was not unexpected that Germany would look upon the very proper seizure of ships above referred to as an act of war, and in all probability the Portuguese Government was merely making a preliminary move with the full intention of going further in the carrying out of the terms of alliance with Britain. The advent of the little country into the active arena of hostilities will l)e welcomed and may possibly even hearten up some of the neutrals who, thoroughly hating and fearing Germany, are not yet quite .sure which is to be the winning side. If they would hut realise that the sooner they lend a hand to overthrow the common enemy ot all civilisation and humanity, so much the sooner will he blessings of permanent peace return, then they would hesitate no longer. Roumania should not now be long in openly throwing in her lofc with the