Taoiseach Jack Lynch outlines his meeting with the President of the United States of America Richard Nixon.
On 5 January 1973, Taoiseach Jack Lynch met with US President Richard Nixon in the Oval Office of the White House.
Jack Lynch says a variety of topics were discussed. President Nixon expressed concern over the Northern Ireland situation and hoped a solution would be found swiftly. The Taoiseach brought the President up to date with the situation as he saw it and how he thought it would develop.
I don't think it would be right for me to try and involve the American government in this matter.
While the Taoiseach was careful not to commit the US government on this issue, he asked President Nixon to use his influence when possible.
The two leaders also discussed Ireland’s recent entry to the European Economic Community (EEC). The President spoke about the desirability of the Common Market being outward looking with the capacity for trade between the EEC and the US. He felt if both economies were inward looking, in the long term, it would serve neither side.
The Taoiseach and the US President also discussed American industrial investment in Ireland of which President Nixon is supportive. During his five day visit to the USA, Jack Lynch will be visiting New York in an effort to attract considerable American investment to Ireland.
Jack Lynch points out that in 1972 the number of American firms setting up in Ireland was nearly double that of 1971. This shows Ireland is an attractive place for investors and more so now that it is part of the EEC. With the prospect of free access to the Common Market,
I am very confident that the amount of American investment will increase considerably.
On the controversial issue of landing rights, President Nixon listened very sympathetically. He promised a special review of the situation by one of his executive officers Peter Flanigan.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 6 January 1973. The reporter is Joe Fahy.
