asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Government has protested against the restraints imposed on Jews seeking to emigrate from Soviet Russia; whether Ireland has brought to the notice of the United Nations the manner in which such restrictions offend against Article 13 (2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - UN Declaration of Human Rights.
21.
I would hope to see full respect for Article 13 (2) of the Universal Declaration in its entirety in all situations. The particular situation mentioned by the Deputy has already been brought to the attention of the United Nations.
The Minister has received a number of requests that the Irish Government should take some action in this matter by way of a direct protest or some other form of protest to the Soviet Government. Would the Minister, apart from the general complaint which has been made by the United Nations to Russia, tell this House that he would not approve of granting diplomatic relations to Russia until such time as Russia extends to Jews their full rights under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
Diplomatic relations with any country would depend on another country agreeing to having them. If we intended to seek diplomatic relations we would not do anything to prevent this. If one were to cut off diplomatic relations with all countries with whose policies one does not agree one could find oneself in a fairly small circle of friends. The frequency with which this has been raised at the United Nations means that we do not have to raise it.
Would the Minister confirm that it is his view that principles should not take second place to commercial interests?
I have no commercial interests in this situation at all.
In trade with Russia?
There are political, commercial and trade reasons. If the Deputy has a principle he should declare it.
It is undersirable to have diplomatic arrangements with a country which denies human rights to certain people.
On the point which Deputy Ryan is making——
(Interruptions.)