andMr. Ryan asked the Minister for External Affairs if the Government have considered further whether any action can be taken by this country towards achieving a ceasefire in Nigeria and Biafra; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nigeria-Biafra Ceasefire.
3.
As I have stated on many previous occasions in the Dáil, it is the policy of the Government to do everything within the capacity of a small country to promote a stable peace settlement in the Nigerian conflict.
As the Deputies are aware the Organisation of African Unity is actively engaged in mediation and has succeeded on a few occasions in bringing the Federal Government and the secessionist authorities to the conference table but so far without success.
The most effective action we can take is to size every opportunity open to us to urge negotiations for a stable peace and speedy end to the disastrous conflict and the sufferings and death which it entails particularly for the children and the aged in the war zone. And this we will continue to do.
While appreciating what has been done I should like to ask if the Minister or the Government have considered at all separate approaches to the United States Government or the British Government in order to seek their co-operation in arranging a ceasefire?
We know already from published statements by both the American and British Governments that they are doing what they can to promote peace. It is not necessary for us to ask them to embark upon it because they are already engaged on it and have been for some time.
Has the Minister further considered any question of a direct approach on our behalf to the Nigerian Federal Government and the Biafran authorities?
I have seen representatives of both and, as I have said in answer to the question, I have urged them as strongly as I could to engage upon negotiation for a stable peace in the interest of all the people of Nigeria.
As the Minister is no doubt aware, there have been Canadian, United States and British Parliamentary delegations in Nigeria and Biafra endeavouring to achieve peace. Does he still rule out the idea of an Irish Parliamentary delegation making an attempt at doing what other countries have failed to do, in the light of the fact that Irish nationals, missionaries and others have been closely associated with conditions in Nigeria?
Neither the Canadian nor the American Parliamentary Mission, unfortunately, were able to make peace, and I do not think a Parliamentary delegation from here would succeed either. It is not want of peace-makers that exists; it is want of a will to make an agreed arrangement for a stable peace and immediately an arrangement whereby the maximum amount of food can be got in to the children and aged people in the war zones.
Would the Minister not agree that we would be likely to have more influence in that country than any other nation?
I do not agree with that statement at all.