asked the Minister for External Affairs whether the Executive Council have received any information from the British Government respecting its intentions in regard to negotiations with China; whether the Executive Council have indicated their attitude on the matter; whether they have made any adverse comments or have concurred in any projected action or whether if they have not expressed dissent it is to be assumed that the policy being pursued by the British Government is generally acceptable to the Executive Council.
PRIVATE NOTICE QUESTIONS. - SAORSTAT NATIONALS IN CHINA.
TOMAS MAC EOIN
It has been for some time the custom of the British Government to keep the other Governments of the Commonwealth informed of the general trend of foreign affairs as they directly affect the interests of Great Britain. Communications of this character do not, of themselves, create any responsibility in respect of the Governments receiving them. Responsibility arises only when the interest of a particular government is at once apparent from the nature of the subject matter of the communication, or when a particular government declares itself interested and formally accepts responsibility. As neither hypothesis has been realised in the case of China I do not feel under any obligation either to disclaim responsibility or to give information to the Chinese Government, who, we must presume, are well aware that the only government competent to act on behalf of the Irish Free State is the Government of the Irish Free State.
Could the Minister give any information as to whether he has received any guarantee from the Chinese authorities that, in the event of war between Great Britain and China, Irish missionaries and other Nationals of the Free State will not be treated as enemies?
I have not received any guarantee.
Is it the intention of the Minister to seek such guarantee?
Not so far.
Will the Minister say whether the answer he has given is in accord with his reading of the Report of the Imperial Conference?
Quite.