asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is prepared to make a statement indicating the Government's policy in regard to recent developments in Poland and Hungary, and indicating whether any action can be taken through the United Nations Organisation to ensure the holding of free elections in the two countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Poland and Hungary—Government Policy.
The world has heard with horror of the renewed treacherous on slaught by the Soviet military machine on the population of Hungary. I know that I express the feelings of every member of this House and all Irish men and women when I say that we have followed with profound admiration, although latterly with growing anguish also, the epic struggle of this indomitable Christian people against the Communist tyranny imposed on them for the past ten years. Our hearts go out to them in their hour of agony and we pray God that means may be found through the co-operation of the free world to bring some measure of relief to them in their sufferings. In particular, we pray that Cardinal Mindszenty may be spared any further extension of the terrible penalties which he has undergone for his faith and for his martyred country.
The Deputy will be aware that the situation in Hungary has been under discussion at a special session of the United Nations General Assembly. I can assure him that the Government will support to the full any measures recommended by the United Nations with a view to alleviating the tragic plight of the Hungarian population. I may add that the Taoiseach will be answering a Private Notice Question later on about measures being taken here to render assistance.
With regard to Poland, it would appear that recent developments there imply the restoration of at least some measure of freedom from Soviet oppression. The present régime in Poland remains Communist, but it has been forced to take some account of the beliefs and feelings of this profoundly Christian people. Cardinal Wyszynski, released from an odious captivity, is once again at the head of his Catholic people. I feel sure, however, that the House will agree that the present internal situation in Poland is such that any external intervention would be likely to harm rather than help the population of Poland.
Are we to understand from the reply which the Minister has given to Deputy MacBride's question that he repudiates the felicitations and good wishes, which that gentleman sent to the Soviet Government in 1931?
Ask Deputy Boland behind you.
Read the letter from the National Executive.
I hate hypocrites.