I must say that I am a little surprised at the Taoiseach taking Questions Nos. 1 to 5 together on the pretext that they related to the one visit. I think that you will allow me a little latitude, Sir, to congratulate the Taoiseach on what seems to have been a much more constructive visit than his previous one to New York.

In relation to Question No. 1, does the Taoiseach believe that, following on the various statements which he made during the course of his address to the United Nations Organisation, there is any place for a new initiative by the non-nuclear states to push forward the process of nuclear disarmament?

I canvassed that idea, but I would think that the general view is that the whole question of disarmament now falls into two separate categories, on the one hand, these very welcome negotiations and discussions between the super-powers which are achieving results and then, in parallel with that, are the efforts of the United Nations. I think that the general view at the present time would be that the matters should be left to those two separate sets of procedures.

I might add, for the information of the Deputy, that since the questions were put down I have had an opportunity to have a briefing from the Special Russian Envoy who participated in all the discussions and negotiations leading up to Moscow and in Moscow and, without attempting to be too optimistic about it, I would say that he is looking forward to a considerable improvement in developments in the whole disarmament situation.

Would the Taoiseach not agree that a great deal of the thrust of his remarks at the United Nations was to point out the deficiencies and disappointments in relation to UN action on nuclear disarmament over a substantial period? Indeed, he mentioned himself a series of initiatives over the past 30 years which have produced very disappointing results. Would the Taoiseach also not agree that he himself referred to the fact that it was not sufficient to leave the question of nuclear disarmament to the two super-powers and that, therefore, there must be a place in the complex of relationships within the United Nations for other countries outside of that direct negotiation to play a new role?

Yes. I think, though, that the non-nuclear states can be most effective through the machinery of the United Nations. I would also have to say that in the margins of the Conference the view was that this particular special Conference would have to lay aim for rather limited objectives because of the general situation prevailing in the nuclear states and throughout the United Nations generally.

I hope that I am not ruling myself out for supplementary questions on the other matters that I have raised. On this issue, would the Taoiseach not agree that it would be useful for the non-nuclear states now to consider what kinds of diplomatic pressure they could bring to bear on the nuclear states outside of the context of the United Nations, in order to heighten the effect of what might happen within the United Nations structure itself?

That is something that could always be considered but, if the Deputy reflects on it, he might agree that because these very important and detailed negotiations are going on between the two powers and because a general debate is taking place at the special conference, it might be better to let things develop a little in both those areas before proceeding with any other initiative.