In 1975, Carrascalão had to go to Portugal for medical treatment because he had lung cancer. The Carnation Revolution had overthrown the dictatorship and Timor-Leste was preparing for independence. His sons Manuel, Mário and João founded the Timorese Democratic Union (UDT), which competed with Fretilin for political leadership. The UDT tried to take power in a coup but was defeated in the short civil war with Fretilin. The three brothers had to flee to Indonesian West Timor. On 28 November Fretilin unilaterally proclaimed the independence of Timor-Leste. On 7 December, Indonesia began an open invasion of Timor-Leste, citing an alleged request for help from UDT.