Portuga I   &   E FT A
EXTRACTS FROM A DEBATE IN THE SWEDISH PARLIAMENT 2nd MARCH 1967
Mr. Almark (a liberal M.P.) :  It is quite clear that the rapid increase in
trade and foreign investment in Portugal, which has been stimulated by the
consequences of EFTA cooperation, has contributed to the economic development
of Portugal and thus an ever increasing amount of money can be used for the
war in Africa.
Mr. Lanqe (minister for commerce):How far this economic progress has influenced
the Portuguese policy in Africa .... is not easily estimated. In this connection
attention should be paid to the argument that there are reasons to beleive that
economic progress and a higher standard of living promote a process of democratic
liberation.
Mr. AlmarksPortuoal is becoming over more dependent on trade with other EFTA
memebere. Thus passiveness in the EFTA cannot be excused by possible activity in
the U.N.It must be the task of our country, in all situations where it is
possible, to do so to raise the problem of the possibility of bringing to an end
the tragedy in the African colonies of Portugal. Today we contribute to prolonging
it
Mr* Lanqe : Inside organisations with commercial and other similar aims like
the EFTft or the GATT, there are neither political qualifications nor formal
possibilities to carry out the kind of measure the interpellator is hinting at.
The connection between NATO and the Portuguese colonial wars is a fairly
obvious one and has frequently been stated. EFTA is the other organisation which
formally links Portugal with a part of Western Europe. As an organisation primarily concerned with economic relations the influence of EFTA on Portugal's African
policy is less clearly defined and it is rare to see it plainly stated as in the
above extracts of Mr. Almark's speach. The first objective of EFTA is "to promote
in the area of the association and in each Member State a sustained expansion of
economic activity". The argument about Portugal, therefore hinges on the question
of whether EFTA is making a substantial contribution to economic expansion in t
the case of Portugal, and whether such expansion will tend to perpetuate Portuguese aggression in Africa.
EFTA is certainly important for the Portuguese economy. In 1965 36^ of all
Portuguese exports went to EFTA countries. In 1966 the Financial Times stated:
"There is no doubt that Portugal has benefitted enormously from her membership
of EFTA and will continue to do so.". All Western Europe, however, is important
for Portugal: her trade in general has a heavy bias towards Europe, with W.
Germany, a non EFTA country, and Britain, an EFTA member, running each other
very close as the largest importers and exporters, while the United States comes
only a near third. It is important, therefore, to pinpoint the exact role that
EFTA does play.