asked the Taoiseach whether, in view of his statement in Bonn on 23rd October that Ireland had promised that she would never let her territory be used for an aggression against Britain, this country is bound by any treaty obligation of this nature; if so, what treaty obligation; when such treaty was made; and by whom it was made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Irish Territory: Treaty Obligations.
19.
There is no treaty obligation in this connection. I would, however, direct the Deputy's attention to the statement made in this House by the then Head of the Government on the 29th May, 1935. That statement was to the effect that " we are not going ... to allow our territory, under any conditions whatever, to be made use of by some foreign power as the base of attack against Britain". This undertaking was frequently renewed in the Dáil and elsewhere. It has been accepted as national policy by successive Governments, and I have no doubt that it has the support of the overwhelming majority of the Irish people.
If Britain believes the Taoiseach's word on that, surely there is no reason at this stage for the British to hold a bridgehead in the Six Counties? In view of the Taoiseach's new friendship with West Germany, is it not quite clear that the West Germans and the former members of the Fianna Fáil Party are now ganging up to open the back door to Britain?
The Deputy does not put that forward as a question.
Is it not a fact that the British do not accept the Taoiseach's assurance? They are holding the Six Counties for military purposes primarily and is it not a fact that, therefore, they are not prepared to accept the Taoiseach's assurance?
That is an argument and not a question.
You cannot have it both ways.
The Deputy's sense of humour has improved since he got married, on which I congratulate him.
If the Taoiseach stuck to fresh air in Germany, he might be a lot clearer in his replies here.