asked the Taoiseach whether, so far as this country is concerned, he accepts as accurate the statements reported to be contained in the wartime documents issued by the United States State Department on the 18th June, 1960; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - United States Wartime Documents.
1.
I take it that the Deputy's Question relates to the extracts from the documents referred to which were reported in the newspapers here concerning liaison with the Commander of the British troops in the Six Counties and the release of certain aircraft.
There was nothing published in these statements which was not already known. During the period of the war, when the possibility of invasion of this country by German forces was apprehended, contact was established between the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and the Commanding Officer of the British forces then stationed in the Six Counties.
As to the release of aircraft which made forced landings in our own territory, such action was taken in cases of non-operational flights. The practice in this regard was stated in this House by the then Taoiseach, in reply to a Question, on the 4th November, 1943.
Several newspapers commented that there were pro-Germans in the Cabinet. Will the Taoiseach tell the House whether that is so or not?
That is an entirely separate question.
I must say I did not meet them at the time.
I met one here in the House last week when he talked about my Battle of Britain speech. He wanted the Nazis to win the Battle of Britain—the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Welfare.