THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 October 1922, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. \MNESTY OFFERED. LONDON, October 3. The Irish Free State Government has offered an unconditional amnesty to aU offenders .surrendering arms before tire loth, of October.

CONSTITUTION’S PROGRESS. LONDON, October 3. The Irish Provisional Parliament, by a large majority, has adopted a motion accepting the articles of the Irish Constitution embodying an oath of loyalty. The rapid and smooth progress that has so - far been made, warrants the belief that a full Constitution, based on the Treaty, will be passed in time for submission to the British Parliament during the autumn session. ■LONDON, October 4. The Dail Eireann discussed the question. of the constitution oath.

Mr Gavan Duffy moved an amend-

ment for deleting the provisions that the must be taken by every member. He admitted that, as he had signed the— Treaty himself,he was morally bound to take the oath, hut he desired an exemption for others. He pointed out that if the oath were deleted, 90 per cent, of the opposition to the Treaty disappeared. , Mr Higgots pointed out that the Republicans in South -Africa and elsewhere ill the. British Empire took an identical oath. Mr Duggan said that any quibbling about the oath meant- tearing up the Treaty. Tlie Labour members opposed the amendment which was defeated. Another amendment was moved by Mr Johnson, the Labour Leader, for requiring the King and his tive to swear allegiance to the Free State, and to undertake in all matters affecting the Irish Free State that he would act on the advice <if the ■Executive Council. This was defeated.