HC Deb 15 May 1972 vol 837 cc12-3
7. Mr. McMaster

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what protest has been made by Her Majesty's Government in respect of the kidnapping and murder of Corporal James Elliott of the Ulster Defence Regiment to the Government of the Republic of Ireland; and what reply has been received.

Mr. Godber

We made representations to the Government of the Irish Republic as soon as news of the kidnapping was received to urge the closest co-operation in tracing those responsible. The authorities in the Republic responded and I understand that two men have since been arrested in the Republic and remanded in custody. The Government of the Republic are in no doubt of our views on this barbarous action perpetrated from south of the Border.

Mr. McMaster

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Is he aware that the ordinary law-abiding British citizen in Northern Ireland is getting very tired of the apparent failure of the Southern Irish Government properly to police the Border, to stop attacks across it and to arrest those who are known in the South to be planning murderous IRA attacks on civilians and property in the North and who, when charged, are often released on flimsy grounds, such as lack of proper identification?

Mr. Godber

I understand the difficulties expressed by my hon. Friend. We consistently urge the Irish authorities to co-operate more closely with the security forces in the North to control the Border effectively. While we welcome such steps as have already been taken, including the strengthening of police reinforcements, we still look for closer co-operation.

Rev. Ian Paisley

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the crux of this matter is that there is no extradition treaty to get such murderers back to be tried in the courts of the country in which they have committed these dastardly crimes? Has not the time now come for him to take up the whole matter with the Government of the Republic and to have their definition of what they say is political murder?

Mr. Godber

I think we must continue our close and strong attempt with the Government of the Republic to strengthen the provisions which they are making to secure the objectives which both the hon. Gentleman and I have in mind. On the specific point about extradition, I have nothing useful to add to what has been said previously on that subject.