Notes by Seán O'hÉideáin
'Salazar Régime in Portugal'

CREDIT

1. Has attempted to translate Catholic social teaching into practice, in such matters as a living wage, family as unit.
2. The Corporative system appears to be an honest attempt to reconcile the conflicting interests of capital and labour; but the practice seems to have fallen short of the theory.
3. Restored order.
4. Balanced budget, restored financial stability.
5. Anti-Communist.
6. Has been humane and beneficent coloniser.
7. Neutrality in World War II.
8. Old links through education of Irish students in penal times; Irish Dominicans.

DEBIT

1. Portuguese war vessels in Derry, 1952.
2. An authoritarian regime, described as a dictatorship.
3. Freedom of speech and assembly curtailed.
4. No opposition in parliamentary democracy sense. Freedom of elections doubtful. (Count O’Kelly’s report 24.2.49).¹
5. Régime does not appear to have been successful in raising standard of living, still very low, in country areas at least.
6. Similar failures as regards literacy.