asked the Minister for External Affairs whether in view of the fact that by international law and custom the proper moment for recognising a new Government which has established itself in the course of a revolution or civil war is when it is judged to have attained stability and to have secured obedience over a clear majority of the country and the people he will consult with the other nations of the Commonwealth for the purpose of obtaining simultaneous recognition of General Franco's Government directly these conditions are fulfilled.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Spanish Government—Question of Recognition.
The conditions indicated by the Deputy are those which generally determine the recognition of revolutionary governments by other States. The moment these conditions are fulfilled there will be no difficulty in the recognition of General Franco's Government by this State.
I cannot say whether there will be any question of recognition by groups of States simultaneously. If such a suggestion is made it is more likely to concern a European group than a combination of European and non-European States. Obviously European States have the more direct interest in taking the lead to insure stability.
In the meantime will the Government consider withdrawing our ambassador from the Communist Government at Valencia?
That is a separate question.