: With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Question Nos. 8 and 9 together.
It is my understanding that the action taken by the French Government was taken at the request of the Government of Zaire and was explicitly stated to be for the purpose of extending protection to French and other foreign citizens and to re-establish security pending the restoration of Zaire government authority. In the circumstances I do not accept that it is correct to characterise the French action as an invasion "in defence of foreign investment" as suggested by the Deputy.
I understand also that the action was preceded by consultation with certain other governments directly concerned, in particular Belgium, which also sent troops. The Irish Government were not given prior notice nor consulted in the matter. Subsequently on 20 May at the informal meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Nine at Hesselet the French Foreign Minister informed his colleagues of developments.
The developments which led to this action and the present situation in the area are by no means clear at this distance and our sources of information are necessarily limited. In these circumstances, and as no question of our being asked to endorse or to associate ourselves with the action has arisen, I do not believe it would be appropriate to issue a statement as suggested by the Deputy.