asked the Minister for External Affairs if having regard to the recent declaration of His Eminence Cardinal MacRory on the subject of peace by negotiation, any steps have been taken by the Government to ascertain the views of belligerent Governments regarding the possibility of opening such negotiations or alternatively, if the Government has discussed the matter with representatives of the Vatican or other neutral States.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Negotiations for Peace.
There is really nothing to add to my reply to a similar question by the Deputy on the 2nd October, 1940. The Government will always be ready to act as intermediary for the bringing about of peace should the circumstances make our intervention acceptable and possible. I think the Deputy will understand from speeches made recently in the belligerent countries that the present situation does not favour the efforts of the peacemaker.