Portugal during World War II
Upon the start of World War II in 1939, the Portuguese Government announced on 1 September that the 600-year-old Anglo-Portuguese Alliance remained intact, but that since the British did not seek Portuguese assistance, Portugal was free to remain neutral in the war and would do so. In an aide-mémoire of 5 September 1939, the British Government confirmed the understanding. As Hitler's occupation swept across Europe, neutral Portugal became one of the Continent's last escape routes. Portugal managed to remain neutral throughout the war despite extraordinary pressures from both sides, notably over the strategically located Azores islands and over the wolfram (tungsten) trade.
Brazil–Poland relations
During World War I, Brazil declared war on the Central powers. At the end of war, Brazil partook in the Treaty of Versailles which saw the creation of an independent Poland. Poland achieved its independence in 1918 and Brazil became the first nation in Latin America to recognize Poland on 17 August 1918. On 27 May 1920, both nations established diplomatic relations and diplomatic legations were opened in each nations capitals, respectively. At the start of World War II in September 1939; Brazil remained neutral even after the invasion of Poland by German troops. On 22 August 1942, Brazil declared war on Germany and Italy after the sinking of six Brazilian ships in the Atlantic Ocean by German U-boats. Both Brazilian and Polish troops fought alongside each other during the Italian Campaign. On 12 September 1945, Brazil recognized the Polish Provisional Government of National Unity. Soon afterwards, both nations re-opened diplomatic missions.