asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Anglo-Portuguese relations are being affected by reports circulating in Portugal to the effect that His Majesty's Government have promised the Union of South Africa portions of Mozambique and Angola; and what steps he proposes to take?

I am aware that reports to this effect are circulating in Portugal, and I am glad of this opportunity of stating, on behalf of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, that there is no truth whatever in these reports, which are no doubt circulated by the enemy in order to trouble the cordial relations between this country and her most ancient Ally, and between the Union of South Africa and neighbouring Portuguese territories.