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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 May 1928

Vol. 23 No. 19

CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - KELLOGG TREATY FOR RENUNCIATION OF WAR.

asked the Minister for External Affairs whether an invitation from the Government of the United States of America to the Free State to become a party to the proposed Kellogg treaty for renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy has been received; whether the terms of the British reply to the United States were communicated to the Executive Council before being sent; and whether he will state what is the attitude of the Executive Council towards the reservations to the general principle of the pact indicated in the following paragraphs of that reply:—

"The language of Article 1, as to the renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy, renders it desirable that I should remind your Excellency that there are certain regions of the world the welfare and integrity of which constitute a special and vital interest for our peace and safety.

"His Majesty's Government have been at pains to make it clear in the past that interference with these regions cannot be suffered. Their protection against attack is to the British Empire a measure of self-defence.

"It must be clearly understood that His Majesty's Government in Great Britain accept the new treaty upon the distinct understanding that it does not prejudice their freedom of action in this respect."

The Government have received through the United States Minister at Dublin an invitation from the Government of the United States of America to become one of the original parties to the proposed multilateral Treaty for the renunciation of war.

The terms of the British Note on the subject of this Treaty, which was handed to the United States Ambassador in London on the 19th instant, were communicated to this Government before the Note was issued.

The Deputy will observe from the text of his own question, and also from the final paragraph of the British Note with which it deals, that the views embodied in these paragraphs are expressed on behalf of His Majesty's Government in Great Britain only, and do not purport to represent the views of, and cannot therefore in any way commit, the Government of Saorstát Eireann.

Is the Minister prepared to tell us what his own attitude is with respect to the invitation to become an original party to the Treaty?

We are becoming one of the original parties.

Will the House have any opportunity of discussing your reply before it is sent?

No, it has been sent.

Well I wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the adjournment at the first opportunity possible. I do not know how it can be done.

We will discuss that matter at the end of questions.

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