asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state his policy on the part Ireland should play in bringing about a settlement of the Nigerian-Biafran conflict, with special reference to the advisability or otherwise of interference from Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nigerian-Biafran Conflict.
39.
I have on numerous occasions stated the Government's policy regarding the Nigerian conflict. On the 23rd October, in answer to Dáil questions, I outlined the steps the Government had taken to help relieve famine and disease and to promote a cease-fire and an agreed settlement in Nigeria, whilst avoiding any interference in its internal affairs. We intend to pursue this policy and to assist in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the war-torn areas.
Does the Minister see any possibility or, in fact, would he think it wise at all to use the United Nations to push for any reconciliation in Nigeria? Will this country's delegation do so?
I have replied in full to a question about raising the matter at the United Nations. I remember recounting that, when one or two delegations tried, early on, to raise the question of the civil war in Nigeria, the representative of Nigeria rejected any interference by the United Nations.