§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reply has been sent to the official protest note sent by the Prime Minister of the Irish Republic to Her Majesty's Government concerning the behaviour of the Army in a riot situation in the New Lodge Road area of Belfast recently.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleHer Majesty's Government have received no such official protest note.
§ Mr. Pounderasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the Prime Minister of the Irish Republic within the last week making allegations against the conduct of the security forces in Belfast; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealtth Affairs what official message he has received from Mr. Lynch, Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland, about the activities of the Army in Belfast; and whether, in his reply, he has protested against interference in the internal affairs of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleFollowing disturbances in Belfast on 20th and 21st 225W May, the Prime Minister of the Irish Republic issued a statement on 21st May urging great care by the Army in dealing with legitimate Catholic protests in Northern Ireland. This statement did not amount to representations or an official message, but Her Majesty's Government's view that Mr. Lynch's statement was unhelpful as it could be misinterpreted was expressed to the Government of the Irish Republic, which were told that we did not accept the allegations against the troops which had been made. The Government of the Irish Republic have been informed of the true facts.
On Monday, 24th May, and Wednesday, 26th May, Mr. Lynch issued further statements in which he vigorously condemned those responsible for acts of violence.