Word: spinola
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
Restraint in Portugal is dependent on a resolution of the fighting in Africa. Already the junta has gone beyond what Spinola last month envisioned for the three territories: a loose federation with Lisbon. Full independence is now regarded as inevitable. Talks have already begun in London with the representatives of insurgents in Guinea, smallest of the territories and the one that Portugal finds it easiest to set free...
...Happily for Portugal [May 6], Dr. Salazar has finally been buried. Unfortunately, the new government thinks it can resolve the country's colonial entanglements through a so-called federation. General Spinola should remember that another general, not so long ago, attempted to salvage another African empire in the same way. De Gaulle's proposed French Community proved unworkable, and he had the grace to accept its demise. I hope General Spinola will also have the grace to say goodbye to Africa without any more bloodshed...
When he addressed his countrymen for the first time as their new President, beneath the crystal chandeliers of Queluz Palace outside Lisbon last week, General Antonio de Spinola looked more like a statesman than a soldier. He wore rimless reading glasses and a somber black dress uniform rather than the jaunty monocle and olive battle fatigues that have been his trademarks. "I am assuming my new mandate with a clear conscience," he said, "because I have never considered politics all that alluring...
Politics must appear particularly unattractive to him now. As the junta's choice to head the state until general elections are held next spring, Spinola will preside over one of the most disparate ruling coalitions in the Western world. The 14-man interim Cabinet consists of three Socialists, two Communists, three left-centrists, five independents and one military officer. The Cabinet does not include members of the junior officer corps that initiated the April 25 "captains' coup" and deposed Premier Marcello Caetano...
...Spinola seemed to be holding the coalition together and keeping potential opponents at bay by the sheer force of his popularity. As he left the palace after his inauguration, 15,000 citizens cheered him, and his Mercedes was showered with white carnations. The frosty general broke into a rare smile and returned his supporters' V-for-victory sign. Even an obscure left-wing splinter group called Movimento Anarquista dos Homosexuais Revolucionários pledged its unswerving loyalty to the new regime. Another band of anarchists marched into a government office demanding recognition as a "democratic opposition." When an official...