Pact that’s stood the test of time

QUESTION What is the oldest active diplomatic agreement between countries?

Winston ChurChill, in a speech in the house of Commons in october 1943, described the ancient treaty between England and Portugal as an alliance ‘without parallel in world history’.

the Anglo-Portuguese treaty, signed on June 16, 1373, by King Edward iii of England and King Ferdinand and Queen Eleanor of Portugal, is the oldest active treaty in the world.

it has proved beneficial to both parties many times.

in 1762, English forces helped the Portuguese repel a spanish invasion. in the Peninsular War of 1808 to 1814, Anglo-Portuguese troops under the Duke of Wellington thwarted napoleon’s attempts to conquer Portugal at the Battle of Bussaco in 1810.

During World War ii, despite Portugal’s neutrality, its planes participated in reconnaissance missions for Atlantic convoys and British ships were permitted to refuel in its ports. in 1943, Portugal allowed Allied squadrons to be stationed in the Azores. Eileen Gifford, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire.

QUESTION Did any Live Aid performances fall flat?

FurthEr to the earlier answer, it wasn’t so much Bob Dylan’s dodgy performance that got Bob Geldof’s goat, but the fact he had asked for some of the proceeds to help American farmers struggling with mortgage debt.

‘he displayed a complete lack of understanding of the issues raised by live Aid,’ said Geldof in his 1986 autobiography.

‘ there is a radical difference between losing your livelihood and losing your life.’

J. Beddoes, York.