Although many people are not aware of this problem, it occasionally appears in the Portuguese press and has consequent difficulties, since none of the issues around the possession of territory admits an easy resolution. Portugal expresses pride in the antiquity of the border agreements with Spain, but there follows little discussion of the loss of Olivença. Portugal´s right to Olivença is protected by an international treaty, but that protection has proved ineffectual.

Join Peter Booker for an in-depth discussion of The Olivença Question on either Tuesday 29 October at 18:00 in Lagoa Municipal Library; or on Friday 25 October at 11:00 in Tavira Municipal Library. There is no cost for these presentations. Peter and Lynne will arrange lunch at our usual venue after the talk in Tavira – please let me know if you wish to lunch with us.