asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if submarines of the Soviet Union on permanent patrol in the Baltic and North Atlantic equipped with nuclear-warhead missiles have a capacity to reach this country; if so, if it is proposed to seek an explanation from the Russian authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Soviet Submarines.
454.
Although I have no direct source of information on the point raised in the Deputy's question, it seems clear, from Press reports and otherwise, that submarines of the Soviet Union, and indeed of certain other countries, operate in the waters referred to and that some at least of these submarines are equipped with nuclear war missiles with sufficient range to reach this country. I could not say of course whether they are actually targeted to do so.
These vessels, so far as I understand it, operate in international waters. There is no obligation on countries to notify other countries of the movements or the armaments carried by its naval vessels in international waters. Accordingly I would not be in a position to seek an explanation as envisaged in the Deputy's question.