asked the President whether there is any truth in the newspaper statements that the Government of Saorstát Eireann is represented at the Conference now in Session in Geneva on the subject of naval armaments called by President Coolidge; if so, whether an invitation to the Free State to join in the Conference was received from President Coolidge, if not, what is the position of the Free State representative at the Conference.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - GENEVA NAVAL CONFERENCE.
The Government of Saorstát Eireann is represented at the Naval Disarmament Conference by the Minister for External Affairs and the Attorney-General. Saorstát Eireann is included amongst the Members of the British Commonwealth, to which an invitation to participate was transmitted through the diplomatic channel. The delegation of each of these Governments is in possession of the necessary full powers limited to the territory under its jurisdiction.
I would like to ask the Minister if he is aware of a reply given by the Minister for External Affairs on the 17th February last, when he stated that in the matter of armaments in the various countries within the British Commonwealth we were treated as a separate unit in comparison of strength of armaments. The Minister has not replied to the question whether there was a separate invitation sent to the Saorstát by President Coolidge to be present at this Conference.
Yes, an invitation was sent to be present.
Can the Minister for Finance give any indication as to how far it is possible for us to reduce our naval armaments?
I should require notice of that question.