Vol. 218 No. 11
asked the Minister for External Affairs whether in view of the unilateral declaration of independence by Rhodesia he will indicate whether the Irish Government have any policy in this matter which would be a guide to Irish citizens living in that country.
7.
asked the Minister for External Affairs what action has been taken to protect Irish citizens in Rhodesia.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.
We regret that the recent declaration of independence in Rhodesia should be a device for the perpetuation of minority rule, and we have expressed the hope that the pressure of world opinion will compel those who at present exercise power in that territory to accept the justice and inevitability of majority rule.
The Government are naturally mindful of the position of Irish citizens in Southern Rhodesia at the present time. The only general advice the Government could give them at the present time is that they should refrain in so far as may be possible from taking any action which would help to promote any unlawful objectives of the present regime in the territory.
There have been no reports so far of any of our citizens experiencing difficulties as a result of recent developments and no special measures of protection have been requested or seem at this stage to be necessary. The Government are, however, giving close attention to events in Southern Rhodesia with a view to determining if any measures may become necessary as the situation develops.
I might add that, in order to expedite the handling of applications from Irish citizens in Southern Rhodesia for the issue or renewal of passports, special instructions have been issued to the Honorary Consul in Johannesburg, who is the Irish representative located nearest to Southern Rhodesia.
Question No. 8 postponed.
