asked the Minister for External Affairs whether his attention was directed to the interview given by the Saorstát Minister at Berlin to the German newspaper, 12-Uhr Blatt; whether he is aware that the Minister is represented as stating that the German Reich and Herr Hitler have many admirers among the youth of Ireland; whether the Minister was authorised to make the statements attributed to him, and if not, whether he will state what steps have been taken to remove impressions created by the statement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Interview with German Newspaper.
I am aware of the interview given by the Saorstát Minister at Berlin to which the Deputy refers. The interview was not authorised, but as it was very general in character and dealt mainly with the cultural and trade relations between the two countries it would not require special authorisation. From inquiries I have made I find that the statement quoted by the Deputy had reference to the visit of some Irish school boys to Germany last year at the invitation of the Hitlerjugend. In the circumstances I do not think that the statement could be regarded as more than an expression of courtesy, and consequently I do not consider it necessary to take any steps in relation to the statement.
Is the Minister not aware of the fact that this foolish and misleading statement, made by the Saorstát Minister at Berlin, grossly misrepresented the position of our people and is calculated to give the impression that a section of our people endorse the policy of religious persecution which is at present being carried on in a most naked fashion by the German Dictatorship?
I do not think it has any such implication.
Would the Minister advise the Saorstát Minister at Berlin to be much more discreet when making statements on this subject in future?