12/10/1943. 6.= pm. R. Wessel.
Great Britain is to use the Azores to
provide better protection to our convoys
and merchant shipping in the Atlantic.
The Portuguese government has
granted Britain facilities in the Azores,
as the Prime Minister announced
in the commons today.
Portugal's neutrality remains
unaffected. The arrangement is based on
the treaty concluded in 1373
between King Edward III and King
Ferdinand of Portugal and Queen
Eleanor. At the end of hostilities the
British troops will be withdrawn
and Portugal will remain neutral
on the European mainland.
The request was made by England and
based on the treaty of alliance.
The facilities which will come at
our disposal will contribute
to defend our shipping and shorten
the war. The Azores lie in Mid Atlantic
1000 miles from this country and
over 2000 miles from the USA.
Correspondents report add little
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