asked the Minister for External Affairs if he had discussions in New York recently, at the reception for the President, with Mr. Sobolev, Russian Ambassador to the United Nations; if he will state the nature of such discussions, and what reference was made to this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New York Discussions.
18.
I regret to say I had no opportunity of having a discussion with any of the Ambassadors at the reception in New York, as I had to leave early with the President to attend another function.
On many other occasions, however, I have taken advantage of receptions and other functions to press our point of view with the diplomats of many nations, including Russia, regarding problems in which we are interested and suggestions for their solution.
In answer to the Deputy's request for a statement on the matter I may say that, apart from our right to speak publicly in the Assembly, one of the advantages of our being a member of the United Nations is that we can meet representatives of all the member nations. We can thus play our part quietly in the diplomatic field in eliminating the "shoot don't argue" mentality. We are among the delegations in the Assembly who are trying to create the climate necessary for the development of policies which must be discussed and agreed upon by the major powers if disputes are to be settled on the basis of law and justice.
The booklet containing the suggestions I put forward for consideration in the United Nations in 1957 is available in the bookshops, and those I made last year will be available in the course of a week or so. Those who want to know the truth as to where Ireland stands in the United Nations can read it for themselves in these booklets, and their constructive criticism and suggestions will be more than welcome.
In conclusion I wish to say that the loyal and hardworking Delegation in the United Nations which I had the honour to lead in the last two years is recognised in that Assembly as a Delegation which has a useful contribution to make, and makes it effectively. That contribution is a contribution to the cause of true peace, made in the certainty that if we cannot overcome the disastrous but understandable fears, hatreds and resentments which block the way to discussion and agreements on the establishment and enforcement of the rule of law, the third world war is inescapable.
Is it not a fact that during the course of the Minister's visit to the United States, a Cardinal of the Church in the United States, because of the attendance of the Russian Ambassador to the U.N. at that function, refused to shake hands with the Minister and absolutely ignored him? I want to protest against the Government's Communistic tendencies.
That is more of the Deputy's slander.
Question No. 19.