Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2004
38 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence if he has authorised an investigation into the role played by members of the Western Command during the Battle of Jadotville in the Congo in 1961; the terms of reference of such an investigation; when he expects a final report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13647/04]
View answerThe Chief of Staff has received a submission from a retired Army officer who served at Jadotville seeking a review of the events of September 1961. The Chief of Staff has arranged for the submission to be examined by a board of military officers. The Chief of Staff has asked the board to make recommendations as to any further action that may be open. Pending the outcome of the examination, it would not be appropriate for me to comment. I will carefully consider any recommendations that the Chief of Staff may make in respect of the issue.
I am glad the Minister has informed us that the case is being reopened after 43 years. Does the Minister agree that the essential elements of the matter are simple and straightforward, namely, that a company of the Irish Defence Forces, under severe attack by 4,000 Katanganese soldiers led by Belgian officers, sustained the attack for five days? They were outnumbered by 20 to one and during the five days inflicted casualties of 300 on the enemy forces without sustaining any fatality themselves, though seven were injured. They withstood the land and air bombardment for five days until, eventually, their ammunition, food and water ran out. The Daily Mail, that organ of rectitude, reported afterwards that they fought like tigers.
Now, 43 years later, their valour and heroism has been almost airbrushed out of Irish military history. Unfortunately, quite a few of up to 350 Irish people who fought at that battle have gone to their eternal reward without recognition of their bravery. I hope that when this inquiry is established it will report back as soon as possible because some of the participants of the Jadotville siege are now in their 80s or 90s and others have died. These people are not looking for money or compensation but for recognition of how bravely they fought and held the fort for five days, until they eventually had to surrender. I would term it the Irish Thermopylae.
I hope there is a comprehensive review, that justice is done and that their valour and heroism is recognised, even 43 years later. I also hope we get some indication as to what mysterious forces were at work which prevented recognition of their valour and bravery for 43 years. This is not how our Defence Forces should be treated. We are proud of what they have done on international service with the United Nations. This battle was a glorious occasion but it has been forgotten. I hope the inquiry addresses that.
As I indicated, the Chief of Staff has established a board of military officers to examine the matter. It would not be fair or right for me to comment further beyond saying that the military board sets about its work in an independent manner, without interference from me or anybody else and there is sound reason for that. Recognition of distinctive roles — medals of honour, military stars or whatever recognition it is finally decided should be accorded, in this or any other case, is done on the basis of strict criterion with which I would not interfere.
However, I would like to respond to Deputy McGinley's request and have the process completed as quickly as possible to facilitate whatever decisions must be taken on foot of it. I will certainly respond quickly to whatever recommendations are made to me.
I appreciate the Minister's support and recognition that time is of critical importance. We should recognise and record the perseverance of people like John Gorman and others, who are still thankfully alive and who participated in that siege. They too hope that no further time is wasted, that there is no foot dragging and that the truth comes out and is officially recognised. I hope the Minister will maintain his interest in the inquiry and ensure this happens.
I assure the Deputy there will be no foot dragging whatsoever.
