The Minister for Foreign Affairs made Ireland's position on the legality of the use of force known at the United Nations and sought a second Security Council resolution. The United States and Britain have long held the view that earlier resolutions already mandated the use of force and that no further authorisation is required. They are acting in this belief. It is clear that there is no generally accepted view on the validity of the different interpretations. It is unlikely that agreement will be reached on this point.