asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware that, during the sittings of the Palestine Conference in London in 1946, a Deputy of the Government Party approached the Washington (U.S.A.) authorities to secure their support for a proposal that 100,000 Jews be permitted to enter and take up residence in Palestine; whether, before travelling to the United States, the Deputy had consulted him and secured his approval; whether the British authorities were consulted before the Deputy left for Washington; and whether he has consented to this Deputy acting as Éire's representative to present the claims of Palestine Jewry at Washington.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Jewish Immigration to Palestine.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The remainder of the question, therefore, does not arise.
Is the Taoiseach not aware that Deputy Briscoe travelled to Washington and made representations to the Washington authorities before President Truman made his statement that he was in favour of 100,000 Jews being allowed into Palestine?
When was this supposed to have happened?
In 1946.
I think if the Deputy will look up the journals of the House he will see that Deputy Briscoe was here during 1946.
Does the Taoiseach——
Give it up; you are all wrong.
Will the Taoiseach try to make inquiries and see that the Dáil is informed of Deputy Briscoe's activities?
The Deputy is always chasing some hare.
He made representations which caused very great embarrassment.
Question No. 2.
Surely, Sir, I am entitled to your protection in attempting to get some information.
Other Deputies are also entitled to protection.
With your permission, Sir, I shall raise the question on the adjournment.