asked the Minister for External Affairs if he recognises the need for immediate action to resolve the very serious situation between Nigeria and Biafra; and if he will consider direct mediation by an Irish Parliamentary delegation to bring the conflict to an end.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mediation in Nigeria Conflict.
6.
I recognise the dire need for a cease-fire in the disastrous Nigerian conflict to avoid the sacrifice of further lives and to relieve the starvation and disease which is prevalent in many districts. Mr. Arnold Smith the Secretary General of the British Commonwealth Secretariat has been accepted as mediator and has brought the parties together on at least one occasion. It is known that he is continuing to work energetically to bring them to the conference table again and I am convinced that the best way to help him in his onerous task is to let it be known, as I have made it known, that we in Ireland hope and pray for an immediate cease-fire to facilitate the delivery of food and medicine and the negotiation of a stable peace.
Would the Minister not agree that Ireland has an active part to play in negotiations in that unhappy land?
We have a part to play in conciliation. I think we have played that part.
Would the Minister not further agree that the Government have done absolutely nothing in that direction? They are waiting for the Commonwealth Secretariat or the Organisation for African Unity, both of which have failed so far. Meanwhile, thousands of people are starving. Does the Minister not think it is up to us to do something in a sphere in which we have so much interest?
I think the Deputy is wrong in his assumption and must have forgotten what I said in this House on many occasions in relation to this conflict. We did our utmost to stop it before it started. We counselled all sides not to attempt to solve these difficulties by force because they would be followed, in their circumstances, particularly, by horrible consequences. Since the war started, we have consistently urged both sides, in private and in public, as far as we could, to bring about a cease-fire and to negotiate a peace which would be a benefit to the people in all parts of Nigeria.
Have the United Nations made any direct approach either to Britain or to Russia to cease supplying arms?
I am not aware if they have.
Would the Minister not agree that by failing to offer our services to mediate, we have failed signally?
If we offered our services to mediate in the present circumstances instead of impressing world opinion we would be regarded as just playing to the gallery.
Question No. 7.
You played to the gallery in Tibet.