The right to self-determination is a principle endorsed by the Charter of the United Nations. In my reply to a question in the House on 13 December last I indicated that Ireland supports German unification and the right of the peoples of the Federal Republic of Germany and of the German Democratic Republic to determine their own future by a free democratic process. I further indicated that this is also the position of the Twelve as affirmed by the Heads of State and Government in Strasbourg.
Reports that I have ruled out the idea of a united neutral Germany or the possibility of East German membership of the Community are totally incorrect. I said nothing of the kind. I believe, in fact, that it would be foolhardy for anyone to try to lay down hard and fast conditions or objectives in a situation where events are moving so rapidly and so momentously. What I did indicate was my view that it was unrealistic to contemplate that such a powerful economic and political entity in the middle of Europe as West and East Germany combined, would not influence or affect the course of European affairs.