Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Nov 1959

Vol. 178 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Relations with South Africa: Partition Question.

26.

Mr. Desmond

asked the Minister for External Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a statement of the South African Minister for External Affairs, Mr. Eric Louw, to the effect that Ireland intended to raise the Partition issue at the United Nations, and that Ireland, unlike other countries, was adopting an unfriendly attitude towards South Africa; and, if so, whether the Government have recently considered bringing the question of Partition before the United Nations; if he will make a statement in connection with the possibility and desirability of bringing the matter before the United Nations in the near future; and if he will clarify the situation regarding Ireland's general attitude towards South Africa.

27.

Mr. McQuillan

asked the Minister for External Affairs whether he is aware of the statement made recently by Mr. Eric Louw, South African Minister for External Affairs, to the effect that it was an open secret that Ireland intended taking the Partition issue before the United Nations assembly; whether such action is to be taken by the Government, and, if so, when.

28.

Mr. Cosgrave

asked the Minister for External Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a report of a statement made by the South African Minister for External Affairs that Ireland proposed to put the question of Partition on the agenda of the United Nations; and if any decision has been taken on this matter.

The Taoiseach (for the Minister for External Affairs)

With the permission of the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 27 and 28 together.

I have seen Press reports of the statement mentioned.

On the matter of our raising the issue of Partition at the United Nations, I would refer the Deputies to what I said on 7th July in reply to a question by Deputy Corish.

As regards the other remarks attributed to the South African Minister for External Affairs, I should like to assure the House that the Government entertain nothing but friendly sentiments for South Africa. Our relations have, indeed, always been marked by mutual sympathy. However, when certain policies of the Union Government with serious moral implications have come under discussion in the United Nations our delegation has consistently felt obliged to record its dissent from these policies. Our attitude towards the issues involved has been determined solely by our conviction that the policies involved are contrary, not only to the Charter of the United Nations but also to sound moral principles.

Mr. Cosgrave

With the exception of the matters to which the Taoiseach referred, our relations continue to be friendly with South Africa?

The Taoiseach

In every other way. I am somewhat surprised that the South African Minister should pick out this country for special mention in relation to the vote of the United Nations which was carried, I believe, by——

Mr. Cosgrave

A substantial majority.

The Taoiseach

It was carried by 62 votes to 3.

Mr. Desmond

Would the Taoiseach make it clear to the Government of South Africa that there would be no question of adopting a certain attitude, were it not that at present there may be something in their policy of which they might be rather ashamed?

The Taoiseach

I think my reply covers that point.

Mr. McQuillan

I do not know whether or not the Taoiseach has replied to Question No. 27 in my name. I asked the Minister for External Affairs whether it is intended to bring the Partition issue before the United Nations Assembly and, if so, when? Is it the Taoiseach's suggestion that the reply given to Deputy Corish on 7th July last is the appropriate one now in November?

The Taoiseach

Yes.

Mr. McQuillan

Does the Taoiseach not contemplate, in view of the very active operations of our Minister in the United Nations Assembly, that it is now advisable to raise the Partition issue, which is a question of the utmost importance, in that Assembly rather, perhaps, than have it aired on our behalf by the Dalai Lama in a spirit of generosity for our actions in relation to Tibet?

The Taoiseach

I would ask the Deputy the same question which I put to Deputy Corish, namely, is he prepared to accept the decision of the United Nations on that issue?

Mr. McQuillan

Surely, by now, with our years of experience in the United Nations, the Taoiseach is in a position to get sufficient co-operation from genuine freedom-loving nations in that assembly——

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The Deputy is now making a speech. He should put a question.

Mr. McQuillan

Surely the Taoiseach should be fully confident at this stage that the majority of the United Nations will be willing to support the Irish case seeing that we are so ardent in our approach to ensure that freedom is maintained in other countries?

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Question No. 29.

Mr. McQuillan

Does the Taoiseach not consider——

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I have called Question No. 29.