asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware that amongst the decisions reached at the recent Moscow Conference (October 19th—October 30th) and which have been published in an official document on 1st November, was one which, inter alia, provided that there would be established, at the earliest possible moment, a general international organisation based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all peace-loving States and open to membership by all such States, large or small, for the maintenance of international peace and security; and if he will state whether he has made diplomatic inquiries in this matter with a view to ensuring that Éire will have representation in this proposed organisation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Recent Moscow Conference.
I am aware of the declaration of the conference recognising the necessity of establishng at the earliest practicable date such a general international organisation based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all peace-loving States and open to membership by all such States, large or small. When the course of events allows such an organisation to come into being there need be no doubt that this country will, as in the past, be prepared to take its full share in endeavouring to secure international peace and security. The inquiries suggested by the Deputy would, however, appear to be premature.
Am I to understand that, in the event of this conference taking place, we will be represented there?
I think the Deputy will have to take my answer as I have given it.
Without any ambiguity.
There is no ambiguity.
Will the Minister state whether in the event of this conference taking place, we will be represented there?
I have given the Deputy my answer and I shall repeat it: "When the course of events allows such an organisation to come into being there need be no doubt that this country will, as in the past, be prepared to take its full share in endeavouring to secure international peace and security." I think that is what the Deputy is looking for.
Are we to take it from the Taoiseach's reply that our Government will be very, very slow to rush into any movement originating from Moscow?
That is a separate question.