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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 26 Jul 1962

Vol. 196 No. 19

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC: Membership of Neutral States.

1.

andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach if he has seen the reported speech of M. Henri Spaak that it would be difficult for neutral States to become members of the Common Market because its main aims included an integrated defence policy and a common foreign policy; whether he has considered the implications of this for the Republic; and if he is prepared to accept this condition of membership.

I have not seen any newspaper report of a speech by Monsieur Spaak as mentioned in the Question. I have seen a newspaper article which quotes British sources as attributing the remark in question to the Belgian Foreign Minister but it does not purport to give the full text of his statement. I would not be prepared to comment on this article.

I would remind Deputies that I have frequently stated that the instrument designed to give effect to the Bonn Declaration will probably provide for consultation and co-operation in the field of foreign policy, including defence. As that instrument has not yet been negotiated, it is not possible to consider its implications.

Since the Taoiseach has already given an undertaking in a reported interview in the New York Times that he would accept defence and other commitments without any reservation at all, will he not now admit that he has taken the decision without knowing what the implications are?

It is quite clear that we are not prepared at this stage to state any reservations.

The Taoiseach has already said that he has no reservations.

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