AN ALLIANCE PETROL THAT ENDURES
THE recent visit of President Car-
mona to South Africa, and the solemn public reaffirmation of the validity of the Anglo-Portugese al- liance by the leading statesmen of both countries, together with the enviable stability of Portugal in a shifting world, have all served to attract at- tention lately to the culture, history, and politics of one of the most beauti- ful, but least known countries in Europe. Even so, few of the increasing number of British visitors to Portugal are aware of the true fascination and friendliness of the country and its people, which can best be appreciated by those who venture into the provin- cial districts beyond the hotels of Lisbon and other tourist resorts. Well- built motoring roads traverse a coun- tryside where conditions of almost Biblical simplicity, and a sturdy un- spoilt peasantry, have remained vir- tually unchanged in appearance for centuries. Rich and varied natural scenery, ancient castles and walled towns rivalling those of Italy or France, and numerous living evidences of a singularly colourful folk-lore, all combine to make Portugal one of the most delightful countries in which to spend a holiday, and to which the low cost of living and na- tural hospitality of the
people form added attractions.
"Once too in Ar- cady dwelt I," is a
Castle of
by the dynamic energy of Dr. Salazar. The first of the two anniverseries con- cerned is that commemorating the birth of Portugal eight centuries ago, Dom Afonso when her first King,. Henriques, proclaimed his indepen- dence at the picturesque Guimaraes (still standing today) in 1140. The second anniversary recalls the nation's rebirth five centuries later, when the Duke of Braganza ended the sixty years Spanish rule, by proclaim- ing himself King John IV of an in- dependent Portugal, on the Ist Decem- ber 1840. Britain, as Portugar's oldest ally, may claim as indirect association with both events. English crusaders took a prominent part in the capture (and historical candour compels us to add a major share in the plunder) of Lisbon, when that city was wrested from the Moors by Afonso Henriques, seven years after his assumption of soverignty; whilst Bombay come to us as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza, the daughter of King John IV, and who was married to Charles II in order to secure English support against Spain.
Charles II's shabby treatment of his unfortunate bride is a matter of com- mon knowledge, and the impartial historian must fain admit that Eng- land, as the 'stronger partner in the
By A Friend
Of Portugal
line that must have recurred to many travellers on leaving this enchanting land,-whether they leave behind them the purple moorlands of the north, the fertile green fields of Min- ho, or the warm golden sands of southern Algarve.
aluance, has осса- sionally treated her ally in a manner re- calling that of her able but unprincipl- ed monarch. But it must be likewise ad- ..mitted that this alliance has stood the test of time as has no other such agreements in this changing world. · Nor need this be wondered at, for the Anglo-Portugese Alliance is an expression of a geogra- phical and historical imperative, today as much as in the 14th century when it was first concluded.
Yet beautiful as is the scenery in Portugal, stirring and eventful as is Five centuries have set their seal her history, and strong and deep- on it, and are the best proof of the rooted as are the political and econo- reality of the common interests at mic ties which bind the world's two stake. The Alliance is thus the out- oldest allies, it must be confessed that come of geographical position and of to the vast majority of Britons, the the constant values of History, and Anglo-Portugese alliance is nothing thus has victoriously resisted the action more than a name. The ordinarily of Time, which only destroys what is well-informed person, if asked what perishable or provisional. · he or she knew about Portugal,, would probably reply something like "Oh! Vasco da Gama; Catherine of Bra- ganza; the Methuen Treaty and the taste for Port; the Marquis of Pombal and the Lisbon earthquake; the battle of Bussaco and Peninsular War."
If asked what they know about. Macao, the reply would probably be even less satisfying and confined to a few remarks about racing, fantan and oplum. Yet such impressions are as un- just as they are superficial, and betray a want of understanding for the pro- blems of other nations, which has al- ways been one of our greatest defects.
Com todo o Mundo guerra, mas Paz com a Inglaterra,-"War with all the world, but peace with England," is an old Portugese proverb which has its counterpart in the xivth century En- glish verse,
"Portingallers with us have troth in
hand Whose marchandle cometh much
Into England. They are our friends with
commodoties,
their
And we English passen into their
countries."
The validity of this long-standi g It is in some ways rather curious friendship has been recently stressed that there should be so little famili- on the Portugese side by Dr. Salazar arity with the history and actual con- when he publically stated "I believe dition of Portugal and her colonies; that it is as important to keep the because there is no state in Europe obligations of the Alliance faithfully, with which our relations have been as to prevent it (for the honour and on the whole so continuously intimate interest of both parties) from ever be- and friendly; nor any colonial Power ing corrupted or debased." Two days of which we have less reason to be later Mr. Chamberlain in the course | jealous. Any visitor to the English of gratefully acknowledging the Port- cemetries at Lisbon and Operto will gese statesman's declaration, told the realise what a number of British fami- House of Commons that "His Majesty's lles have passed their lives on Portu- Government for their part unhesitat- gese soil; and a visit to the old Prote- stant graveyard at Macao will show to what extent our countrymen formed part and parcel of that community before the acquisition of Hong Kong.
ingly reaffirm their determination to fulfill their obligations under this alliance, which will continue to be a potent Instrument in the service, of world peace."
There is however less excuse or a There are many reasons why these continuation of this attitude in future, sincere and unequivocal sentiments since the world's attention is now be- should evoke 'an equally cordial echo ing attracted to Portugal by the exten- in the sister colonies of Macao and sive preparations being made for the Hong-Kong. It is therefore only ap- celebration of the "double centenary" propriate that the Crown Colony of the Portuguese nation at Lisbon next should salute our friendly neighbour year. Not even the present war is on this, the Portugese National Day, likely to prevent-though it may of and extend to its own loyal and in- course modify the scale of these lavish fluential Portugese community, its celebrations, which will last from May best wishes for the continued pro- till December and have been inspired sperity of both Portugel and Macao.
COSTS
DOWN
VAUXHALL engines gef 20%
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23 h.p. 14b.p
tok.p.
***
22.43 m.p.g.
·30.31 mpg.
43.4 M.P.8.
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