asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Government is considering giving recognition to the Government of Bangla Desh.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Recognition of Bangla Desh Government.
17.
The answer is in the negative.
If the Pakistani Army surrenders and a government is established in Bangla Desh would the Government consider recognising it?
That is a hypothetical question.
The Government have not considered that and in view of the present situation in that continent it would be better not to talk about it at all.
In view of the fact that the Awami League succeeded in gaining 167 out of the 169 seats available in East Pakistan——
That is better than Fianna Fáil.
——does the Minister not consider the way things are going that in the future we may consider recognising Bangla Desh especially when one considers the similarity between our problems and theirs?
I do not think now is a good time to make a statement on it. As I have already told the House, the Government are continuously examining the possibility of recognition of and relations with the government.