ON THE POLICY OF GRANTING AID TO PORTUGAL WHEN INVADED BY SPAIN; HOUSE
OF COMMONS, DECEMBER 12, 1826.
When Mr. Canning was Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1826, a body of
Absolutists attempted to destroy the existing Portuguese Government,
which had been founded on the basis of a liberal constitution, and
had been acknowledged by England, France, Austria, and Russia.
This government was obnoxious to Ferdinand, King of Spain; and,
accordingly, supported by the sympathy of Austria and Russia, as well
as by the active assistance of Spain, the Portuguese Absolutists
organized a military expedition on Spanish soil for the overthrow
of the Portuguese Government. Portugal asked for the protection of
England. Five thousand troops were instantly ordered to Lisbon. This
action was in strict accordance with what is sometimes known as “Mr.
Canning’s Foreign Policy,”—that of allowing every nation to manage
its own internal affairs, and of allowing no interference with the
smaller nations by the larger.
The following speech in explanation of his reasons for prompt action
is the masterpiece of his eloquence.