INTRODUCTION
Dr. Mario SoaresMr. Prime Minister, distinguished guests:-
It gives me very special pleasure to speak to you tonight, at the outset of my visit to Portugal.
I am delighted to be here. I once thought—indeed I told you as much in Moscow, Mr. Prime Minister—that I was to be the first British Prime Minister to pay an official visit to Portugal. [end p1]
But I have since discovered that one of my predecessors, Mr. Asquith, paid a visit in 1910. Seventy four years! Far too long ago! I am glad to remedy the omission. And I hope that you will soon visit us in London.
I wanted to come for many reasons—and I shall speak of some tonight. But perhaps I might mention a personal one now. [end p2]
The last time I came to Lisbon was for my honeymoon. I do not think I shall tell you when. But my husband, who was very sorry not to be able to accompany me on this occasion, asked me to say to you that he is with me in spirit. Lisbon and Portugal hold the very happiest memories for us both.
It is a privilege to speak to you in this magnificent hall. Its very stones speak of history. [end p3]
Among the wealth of memories which this glorious Palace recalls, a British visitor may perhaps be forgiven for thinking first of the years which the great Duke of Wellington spent, fighting with his portuguese allies, against Napoleon 's troops along the lines of Torres Vedras not the first and not the last demonstration of determination in adversity and of the lasting strength of the Anglo-Portuguese alliance against all odds. [end p4]
THE ANGLO-PORTUGUESE ALLIANCE
The Alliance between Britain and Portugal is famous. It is, I believe, the oldest enduring alliance between any two countries the world over. It has lasted for well over 600 years, despite vast changes in our two countries, in Europe and the world. And yet the affection and affinity between Portugal and Britain is such that Article 1 of the original treaty of 1373 still rings true. [end p5]
“In the first place we settle and covenant that there shall be from this day forward … true, faithful, constant, mutual and perpetual friendships, unions, alliances and leagues of sincere affection, and that as true and faithful friends we shall henceforth reciprocally be friends to friends and enemies to enemies.”
Why, Mr. Prime Minister, has that friendship survived? It owes much to a similar historical experience. [end p6]
In the early Middle Ages Britain and Portugal found themselves on the edge of mediaeval civilisation, both looking towards the sea, both protected by their remoteness. Later, Portugal pioneered a phase of European expansion. Britain's time came later though it was not far behind.
European society, which had once been clustered round the Mediterranean, became open to the Atlantic and the world. Our people surged overseas and established great empires. [end p7]
The imperial phase is over but the experience has profoundly influenced the outlook of our peoples.
Neither the British nor the Portuguese can be satisfied with an inward-looking society. We are both still open to the world, interested in the world, concerned to play a role beyond our borders.
The character of both our peoples has been influenced by our exposure to the seas and especially to the Atlantic. [end p8]
There is something about that great Ocean and the climate it produces which summons up energy, vigour and enterprise in the peoples who face it. There is nothing soft about Atlantic Man—or Woman, come to that.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY
Mr. Prime Minister, today our two countries stand on the brink of a new development, vital to Portugal, heartily welcome to Britain. It is time for Portugal to join us as partners in the European Community. [end p9]
Your entry has been too long delayed. Negotiations must be concluded this year, preferably by September. No country will be more delighted than Britain when that has happened and you fill your rightful place in the Community.
There is work for us both to do there. The Community has been threatened for over a decade by creeping paralysis. I shall not dwell tonight on the current negotiations among the 10 except to say that we in Britain remain determined to achieve the reforms which the Community needs. [end p10] —Proper control over its expenditure —A Common Agricultural Policy which avoids extravagance and waste —A fairer distribution of burden and benefits.
With those reforms behind it, the Community can make a fresh start. We badly need to revive faith in its potential, to capture the imagination of the peoples of Europe, to create a new force for European revival so that our continent can once again exercise its proper influence in the world. [end p11]
The Community can be, should be, much more than an economic entity preoccupied with the balance of economic advantage between member states. I want it to be — a lasting force for freer trade world-wide — a centre of excellence in the most advanced technologies — a constructive contributor to solutions of world problems, not a tired onlooker — a bridge across the European divide, so creating a better relationship between East and West and a safer world.
And above all I want Europe as the home of democracy to keep alive the flame of freedom and justice and to work to strengthen true democracy across the globe. [end p12]
That brings me back, Mr. Prime Minister, to our alliance. For I believe that Portugal will share with my country that mission. Your people, like the people of Britain, wish to see—are required by their history to see—a Europe not turned in on itself but drawing on its precious heritage to contribute to the world those qualities of initiative, creativity and enterprise which made the past of Europe great and can make its future equally great. [end p13]
PORTUGUESE REVOLUTION: FREEDOM
In 1974 the Portuguese people chose freedom. The verses of one of our leading poets, William Wordsworth, were much quoted then.
“Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive. But to be young was very heaven.”
The years after the revolution were not easy for the Portuguese people. But we in Britain watched with admiration as you came through that difficult time, inspired and impelled by the passionate desire of ordinary men and women for greater personal liberty and a free society. [end p14]
The people of Portugal moved with the grain of human nature, knowing instinctively the direction in which they wished to go. This was a revolution, unlike some, whose goal was what the people wanted and did not rest until they had achieved it.
The freedom and justice to which our people are so passionately attached must be defended. For they will always be a target for some who wish to use the world for their own ends. [end p15]
Portugal and Britain were both founder-members of a young Alliance—the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation which this year celebrates its 35th anniversary. You and we know that the cornerstone of that Alliance is the link with our great ally across the Atlantic, the United States, a link which we weaken at our peril.
Mr. Prime Minister, our two ancient countries have shared great missions in the past. And there is now a joint task for us in the future:- [end p16]
Let us combine our special historical experience and the special qualities of our peoples: —to widen the horizons of the European Community and restore Europe to its proper role in the world —to maintain the strength and vigour of NATO —and to preserve and extend the freedom with justice which is man's deepest need, and greatest joy.
Let Portugal and Britain remain allies and friends for at least six centuries more.
I ask you to join me in a toast to Gen. Antonio R. Eanesthe President of Portugal. The health of the Prime Minister, and the happiness and success of the people of Portugal.