asked the Minister for External Affairs whether he has seen reports of Russian missile emplacements in North Vietnam, which in the event of the American air strike continuing in this area will make all the more likely direct confrontation between the major powers; what initiative for peace, if any, has been taken by the Irish delegation to the UN in the present rapidly worsening international situation; and whether he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Vietnam Situation.
9.
Mr. O'Leary
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the Secretary-General of the United Nations has appealed for a return to the conference table. The President of the United States has also called for negotiations for peace and declared his readiness to embark upon unconditional discussion. The International Control Commission established in 1954 by the Geneva Conference on Indo-China is also active in trying to bring hostilities to an end.
As far as I can see, due to the lack of agreement between the permanent members of the Security Council and to the impasse in the General Assembly over the implementation of Article 19, nothing effective can be done in present circumstances by the United Nations to bring about a peaceful settlement. All that the smaller members of the United Nations can do is to hope that all the States involved will be wise enough to negotiate a settlement which will bring peace to the sorely afflicted people of Vietnam and prevent a disastrous extension of the conflict.