asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state whether the policy advocated by him at U.N.O. with reference to (a) the withdrawal of forces in Europe, and (b) the proposal to discuss the representation of China in the U.N.O. continues to represent Government policy having regard to the adverse international reactions caused by it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Government Policy at U.N.O.
In regard to (a) of the Deputy's question, my suggestion made during the debate on the report on Hungary was that with a view to helping the people of Hungary and the other captive nations to regain their freedom and in order to reduce the risk of general war, an effort should be made to negotiate a drawing back of American and Russian forces from each side of the Russian line of occupation. (b) The proposal in relation to China for which I voted was that an item entitled "The representation of China in U.N.O." should be placed on the agenda for discussion.
As there has been no improvement in the situation in Europe or the Far East, and as the risk of a suicidal war has rather been intensified, I see no reason why our attitude to either of these questions should be changed.
Would the Minister say whether that continues to represent the Government's policy?
I have answered that question. We are not a Coalition Government.
You must be a very queer Government with the Minister saying one thing in America and his colleagues saying other things at home.
Is the Minister aware that his speeches on these two matters have occasioned adverse international reactions?
Some people objected to them and a lot more approved.
A Deputy
I am sure China approved.
Is the Minister in a position to state whether or not the speeches he delivered in the United Nations Assembly were discussed with his colleagues in the Cabinet before he went to America?
I have already answered that; this is not a Coalition.
Will the Minister state whether it has caused him or the Government any concern to note that his observations elicited strong approval from Communist sources and deep resentment in countries which have hitherto been our friends, to wit the United States of America, and in the light of that can he reassure the House as to whether any steps could be taken, even at this stage, by the Government to reassure our friends in the United States of America that the attitude adopted by the Minister was not an indication that the Government of Ireland has ceased to regard America as our friend and has ceased to reject contemptuously the offer of friendship from Moscow and the U.S.S.R.?
I think Deputy Dillon, like a number of other Deputies who met to express their profound disagreement with what I said in the United Nations, did not take the pains to read what I said. There were unfortunately, in America and elsewhere, people who had not got the opportunity of reading what I said before they pronounced upon it. Fine Gael did have the opportunity and they pronounced upon it in a most irresponsible way on important matters affecting the relations of this country with other countries. There is nobody in this House, or outside it, who has as much admiration and respect for the American people as I have, but I do not believe it would serve either the interests of Ireland or be in keeping with the traditions of those who fought for Ireland during the years, to stand silent and not offer our opinion truthfully and honestly on certain matters that come before the United Nations for discussion. We went to the United Nations to represent the views of this country and it may be very valuable——
That is the point.
——to countries that bear the real burden to have an independent nation which is prepared to make proposals and suggestions in the present disastrous world situation.
Would the Minister consider adopting a procedure whereby he would consult with, or at least notify, the Leader of the Opposition before he makes any further such speeches?
That is a separate matter.
On that matter I would very gladly consult with the Leader of the Opposition before he makes statements condemning the Government attitude without knowing what it is.
Nobody knows what it is. It is a mystery.