I ask leave to introduce the League of Nations (Guarantee) Bill, 1923. The Bill authorises the Executive Council, in the name and on behalf of Saorstát Eireann, to give certain guarantees to the League of Nations, and to accept regulations prescribed by that League. I do not propose to make any speech on the Bill, but to reserve any remarks I wish to make until the Second Reading, as I understand the Minister will explain the Bill. In view of the resolution of the Seanad I am particularly glad that the Government have decided to allow us in this Seanad to introduce this Bill.
LEAGUE OF NATIONS (GUARANTEE) BILL, 1923.
I understand the League of Nations aims at a great brotherhood whose sole aim is that the differences between any two Powers or any groups of Powers—and such differences must always arise—should be referred to the Council of the League in the hope that those differences may be reconciled and adjusted. As I fear there is no other way to secure the peace of the world unless these ideals are realised, I have great pleasure in supporting this Bill.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Under our Standing Orders a motion for leave to introduce a Bill is not capable of debate, and, therefore, under ordinary conditions, probably the Minister might not exactly be in order. As the Minister is present, however, I am sure the Seanad will be glad to hear him if he wishes to say anything in regard to this Bill.
The reason we bring in this Bill is in order to allow the Oireachtas to register its view on the advisability or not of joining the League of Nations. Some time ago I was here when the question of joining the League was discussed. Prior to that occasion we had already forwarded an application for admission to the Secretariat of the League. The actual joining of the League of Nations is an Executive act, but the Executive has no desire to do anything contrary to the wishes or otherwise than in accord with the wishes of the Oireachtas. We have considered this matter very carefully and consider that it is in the interest of this country that we should join the League. I think the general objects of the League are understood by members of the Seanad, and I described them myself here before as more of an aspiration than an actual accomplishment. We join the League of Nations for a number of reasons. We join it because we think it is actually beneficial to this country; we join it because we feel that Ireland with its present status is a country in the world; a country in Europe; and that we cannot exist in what might be called splendid isolation. Automatically we are bound up with the other countries in Europe and the world, and the League of Nations is the only body where the various nations meet and discuss matters relating to themselves and to each other. There were a number of questions raised in the Seanad on the last occasion. I do not want to go into them now as I suppose they will be dealt with during the further discussion. The chief point is that Ireland as a free country, as a European country, takes her place with other countries in considering the interests of all of us. That is the chief point, and we believe we will be able to establish ourselves in the respect of other countries by being there. Unfortunately, during the last year you might say we went out of our way to confirm all that our enemies said about us. We believe that the impression that has been created has actually been unjust to us. We do not want to be considered anything better than we are, but we want at least to be recognised for what we are, and we believe that this association with other countries will establish us as a beneficent power in the world. A number of things will probably arise there which will be of definite interest to us. We have already one question outstanding which it may later be necessary to refer to the League. I feel that we should give some outline of the objects of the League, but that seems unnecessary, as I am sure Senators understand its general objects.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I think the Seanad might be content with what has been now stated, for this reason: this is merely a motion for leave to introduce the Bill, and when that leave is given it in no way prejudices the Seanad, nor binds it to any of its principles or clauses. I think, therefore, we should now adhere to the Standing Orders, and without debate let the motion be put to the Seanad that leave be given to introduce this Bill.
I beg to ask the Minister in charge of the Bill if it is not the case that Ireland is going to send one representative to the League of Nations.
The general system is that every country sends six representatives, three delegates and three substitute delegates. I would like to explain to the Seanad that this Bill may give Senators a slightly wrong impression. The Guarantees Clause that was inserted in the Constitution of the League of Nations refers to Germany, and in the latter stages of the Bill I shall ask permission to explain the exact significance, and the lack of significance of that clause.
Are we to understand that this Bill is introduced by the Government?
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Certainly.
As introduced it appears with the name of three Senators.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I think that is necessary in view of our Standing Orders which require that any Bill originated in the Seanad shall be introduced by not less than three Senators. Even if it is a Government Bill it has to be introduced by three Senators.
Question: "That leave be given to introduce the Bill," put, and declared carried.