Career Pedro Teotónio Pereira

president john f. kennedy (in rocking chair) meets pedro teotónio pereira, ambassador united states portugal, in oval office, white house, washington, d.c

teotónio pereira, graduated in mathematics university of lisbon. after graduation, aim of following family tradition in insurance business, made post-graduation studies in actuarial science in switzerland. due expertise in life insurance , actuarial science called salazar reform portuguese social security system. @ end of world war new legislation on compulsory social insurance had been introduced in portugal due lack of scientific studies outcome of experience of portuguese first republic weak. salazar, teotónio pereira launched new legislation , established foundations of portuguese social security system under estado novo.

he 1 of main builders of corporativist politics of portuguese estado novo dictatorship. served subsecretary of state (1933–1936) , minister of commerce , industry (1936–1937). unlike britain, portugal supported franco outset. in january 1938 teotónio pereira appointed antónio de oliveira salazar special agent of portuguese government near franco s government during spanish civil war achieved immense prestige , influence. later, in april 1938, officially become portuguese ambassador spain, remained throughout world war ii.