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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Apr 1944

Vol. 93 No. 10

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Anti-Irish Propaganda.

Mr. A. Byrne

asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the continued unfair and unscrupulous propaganda indulged in by newspapers, screen commentators and politicians outside Éire to defame the Irish people on account of their neutrality in the present war, and, in particular, to the recent utterances of a Northern Ireland M.P., who publicly affirmed that the submarines of a belligerent power were being permitted to use a harbour on the west coast of this country; if he is aware of the ill-feeling that is being created against Irish nationals, and the immense harm that is being done to Irish interests, as a result of this mischievous propaganda; and, if so, if he will expand the activities and staff of the Government Information Bureau so that all such statements and reports will be challenged and answered with the least possible delay, and that suitable counter propaganda in favour of this country's policy may be released abroad.

I am aware that there has been a considerable amount of unfounded and indeed reckless propaganda calculated to create ill-feeling between ourselves and other countries. The particular statement referred to by the Deputy was the subject of comments by our authorities concerned which were published in the Press. It is, however, extremely difficult to counteract unscrupulous propaganda of this nature. As much as possible is being done by positive exposure of falsehoods. In individual cases where definite charges are made, misleading statements and reports are replied to by our diplomatic representatives abroad or through such other channels, including the Government Information Bureau, as may be appropriate. Generally, the basis of our national position has been made clear by repeated statements made on behalf of the Government in this House and elsewhere, and public assurance has been given of the effectiveness of the measures which we have taken and are taking to ensure that our territory will not be used for any activities prejudicial to the interests of belligerent nations.

The Deputy probably knows that the authors of such propaganda as he refers to are not deterred by denials which, even if published, do not catch up on the falsehood. It would not in any event be practicable to challenge and answer every misrepresentation of our position. I consider that any expansion of the activities and staff of the Government Information Bureau in this connection would not yield results that would be worth the expense involved.

May I ask the Minister, having regard to the important position of some of the persons who spread these reports, and the important places from which these reports emanated in some cases, whether the Government would not consider making use of our wireless transmitting station for the purpose of putting forward counter-propaganda, and letting our friends abroad know that the matters stated about us are completely untrue?

I am afraid that my opinion would be that counter-propaganda would hardly be effective. As to using the radio station otherwise, I will bring that matter to the notice of the Taoiseach.

Mr. A. Byrne

Will the Minister make it known abroad that Éire has neither steel, iron nor metals of any kind for export? That has been one of the statements used, and I think it should be made very clear that we have none of these articles for export to any country. It would be worth while.

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