asked the Minister for External Affairs if his attention had been directed to a highly offensive article in a recent issue of a British fashion journal circulating in this country; and if he will indicate whether any remedies are available to deter this particularly vicious type of hostile propaganda.
Ceisteanna-Questions Oral Answers. - Article in British Journal.
5.
Mr. Brady
I have seen the article to which Deputy refers.
While the publication especially in journals which claim to have a certain standing, of articles containing material offensive to this country is to be deplored, there is no direct action we can take to prevent the appearance of such a material in any particular case.
In recent months I have had occasion to refer to the persistence in some quarters of an anti-Irish propaganda trend, which derives from a campaign which was originally designed primarily to discredit us in the eyes of the world and to discourage any movement of public opinion in sympathy with our struggle for freedom; and I have urged that we ourselves should do everything possible to project a more realistic image of Ireland and the Irish nation —an image of a people dedicated to progress, innovation and success, with ambitions worthy of their qualities. It is certain that this truer picture will eventually prevail but all of us who can influence opinion abroad in this direction should neglect no opportunity of projecting it.