TNAG-1022-FCO40-1272-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-United-Nations-1981 — Page 89

CONFIDENTIAL

IRISH REPUBLIC

1. The desire of successive Irish Governments for the reunification of Ireland is a reflection of the Republic's Constitution which states that "The national territory concista of the whole island of Ireland, its islande and the territorial seas". The Irish Government's policy, is to "encourage the people of Ireland to come together by consent, by negotiation and under agreed structures". This represents, however, a

long term aspiration. The Irish Government have asked the British Government to "declare its interest in encouraging the unity of Ireland", The British Government's view is that it

is for the people of Northern Ireland to decide what their future should be; the Government would not impede the realisation of Irish unity if it were to come about by genuine and freely given mutual agreement.

2. UK officials should not refer to the Republic of Ireland

as "Ireland" and should avoid use of the term "Eire", which means "Ireland" in the Irish language. The term "Irich Republic" or "Republic of Ireland" should be used (eg "tho distinguished delegate of the Irish Republic"). The adjectival

form "Irish Republican" should not be used because of its IRA

connotations. There is one exception to the above. Her Majesty's Government are prepared to sign multilateral international agreements which refer to "Ireland" and "Irish". Officiale should make it clear that they represent Her Majesty's Government in the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" and should use the full title in any formal document.

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