asked the Minister for External Affairs whether parliamentary immunity has been suspended in the Congo; if so, by whose order; whether any protest has been or is to be made to the U.N.O. in this regard; and whether the Irish forces in the Congo will be used in any way to implement any such suspension of this fundamental safeguard of a democracy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Parliamentary Immunity in Congo.
24.
The Deputy's question does not take account of the extraordinarily confused situation which has existed in the Congo during the past few months and which makes it unrealistic to speak in terms of ordinary parliamentary practices. However, the activities of the Irish contingent in the Congo are subject to the overriding principles which govern the United Nations intervention there. Among these principles is that "the United Nations Force in the Congo will not be a party to or in any way intervene in, or be used to influence the outcome of, any internal conflict, constitutional or otherwise."
Is it not a fact that the United Nations interfered in the internal affairs of the Congo in the first instance by threatening to shoot Mr. Lumumba; secondly, by preventing Mr. Lumumba getting military assistance which would have helped him to create a position of stability in the Congo; thirdly, is it not a fact that the United Nations Forces permitted Mr. Tshombe to defy the central Government of the Congo, and, fourthly, is it not a fact that the United Nations Forces——
The Deputy is discussing the internal affairs of the Congo.
This is my last Supplementary Question.
The Deputy will resume his seat. The Deputy is discussing the internal affairs of another State.
Is it not a fact that the United Nations Forces allowed Mr. Mobuto to build up the military force which he is now using to defy the United Nations? Is he not now defying the United Nations with the force they allowed him to build up?
(Interruptions.)