asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will make a statement on the talks which took place on Wednesday last between the Irish Ambassador in London and the British Foreign Secretary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Talks with British Foreign Secretary.
7.
The Ambassador ensured that the British Foreign Secretary is personally fully aware of the serious view the Government take of the boarding by British naval forces of Irish vessels en route to ports within our jurisdiction.
What response was made by the British Foreign Secretary? Have we any cause now to believe that there will not be a repetition by the British of this clumsy act?
The House was given my view on the situation last week. There should be no doubt whatever in the mind of the British Government about how we feel.
What about——
It was, as I explained, that they reserve their right to make boardings for the prevention of gun running——
Would the Minister hope, in regard to what they claim to be their right, that they would not act upon it?
I think that if the question were left alone——
It does not extend to our territorial waters?
No. The British regard the waters off the coast of Northern Ireland as theirs. Those conceded to be our territorial waters are not interfered with.
Were any representations made on the British side on matters arising from the arms trial?
That is a separate question.
No. There was no reference.