Use of the Portuguese Atlantic Islands. Note by Secretary

She would carry on a violent propaganda campaign against us, in which she would seek to invoke the support of the Vatican. Portugal would also tend to draw closer to Spain and would no longer exercise the restraining influence on Spain that has on occasions been of value to us. If Portugal broke off diplomatic and commercial relations with us, it is possible that some Colonies would not follow her. She might therefore have to face the break-up of her African Empire. Spanish Reactions 5. A considerable strain would be imposed on our relations with Spain, who might fear that this foreshadowed similar action against her territories.