asked the Minister for External Affairs whether in connection with a reply of the 2nd instant he is aware of reports that Lieutenant George Shortt, a British officer seconded to the Ghana armed forces of the U.N. threatened Mr. Lumumba, the elected Premier of the Congo, that he would fire if he did not leave the National Radio Station in Leopoldville which he sought to use to speak to his people; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Congo Radio Station Incidents.
23.
I have seen the reports to which the Deputy refers.
I do not propose to make any statement on the subject but would refer the Deputy to what I said in reply to the question he put to me about the same incident on 2nd November.
Might I direct the Taoiseach's attention to the fact that this day last week he said he had not seen such a report? Was it his intention by that deliberate falsehood to mislead——
(Interruptions.)
The Deputy must withdraw that remark "deliberate falsehood." It is not a Parliamentary remark and must be withdrawn.
Could the Ceann Comhairle suggest a suitable sentence?
It is not the duty of the Ceann Comhairle to make speeches for Deputies. The Deputy must withdraw the remark "deliberate falsehood."
Surely it was a deliberate falsehood?
The Deputy must withdraw the remark without discussion with the Ceann Comhairle.
I withdraw the remark. Could I ask the Taoiseach did he not deliberately mislead the Dáil——
Is the Deputy saying the same thing?
Could I ask——
The Deputy will withdraw the remark "deliberately deceived."
He used the words "deliberately mislead."
"Mislead," Sir.
The Deputy said "deliberately mislead". He must withdraw that remark.
I withdraw that remark at your ruling, Sir. May I ask the Taoiseach did he not say this day week that he did not know of such an order having been given?
The Deputy referred last week to an order which, he said, was issued by the United Nations' Command and with the consent of Mr. Hammarskjoeld. I am not aware of any such order.
The Taoiseach is quibbling.
The Ceann Comhairle's intervention would prevent my describing the Deputy's remark accurately.
Could I point out that I asked the Taoiseach was any protest made by the Taoiseach or the Government at that time as a result of that order having been given? Further arising out of the Taoiseach's reply, could I point out to him that President Nkrumah of Ghana and the United Arab Republic all protested against this——
The Deputy will resume his seat.
——disgraceful behaviour?