asked the Minister for External Affairs whether the United Nations delegation intend to press for any new initiative for peace based on the Geneva Agreement that might bring an end to the Vietnam war; and whether at his recent meeting with Mr. Rusk he discussed the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Vietnam War.
4.
Mr. O'Leary
In reply to the first part of the Deputy's question, I wish to point out that the situation in Vietnam is not inscribed as a separate item on the agenda of the current Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. I may add that my general view of the Vietnam situation remains unaltered from the reply I gave to the Deputy on 9th June, 1965, when I said:—
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.
In regard to the second part of the Deputy's question, the answer is that I discussed the situation in Vietnam with Secretary of State Rusk.
Mr. O'Leary
Will the Minister say if there are any further details about the Minister's discussions with Mr. Rusk on Vietnam, and whether the Minister said anything in addition to his reply to my question of last year?
I cannot answer for the Minister, but even if I had information, I think it is information I could not disclose because the value of these personal contacts is that they must remain confidential.
Will the Minister say whether the Taoiseach and the Government subscribe to the view expressed in Teheran by the Chairman of the Seanad to the effect that the Irish Government and the Irish people were 100 per cent behind Great Britain and America in their policy?
That was purely an expression of a personal opinion for which the Government have no responsibility.
Fair enough.