The Oldest Allyexamines Britain's relations with Salazar's Portugal in the overall context of British foreign and strategic policy in the crucial period from 1936 to 1941. Dr Stone explores in detail British efforts to counteract Axis influence in Portugal both before and during and Second World War; the place of Portugal in Britain's European diplomacy during the twelve months preceding the outbreak of war; the military and diplomatic relationship in the context of non-intervention, appeasement and Portuguese neutrality; and the colonial, Atlantic and Far Eastern dimension, especially in the early years of the Second World War. This thoroughly researched and lucidly presented examination of an important but neglected area also sheds new light on such topics as the Spanish Civil War and colonial appeasement. It is a valuable addition to the literature on the `oldest alliance' - the Anglo-Portuguese relationship.
GLYN STONEis principal lecturer in international history at the University of the West of England, Bristol.