IRISH AFFAIRS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1924, Page 3

IRISH AFFAIRS.

Australian and n.z. cause association. THK lIOFNDAItV QUESTION. (Roroirod this day at 1(1.2d a.in.) LONDON', Aug. 21. K. .7. Duggan, one of the signatories of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, in re ferriug to the assertion that Northern Ireland was not consulted in the Treaty settlement, emphasises that when the Treaty negotiations were in progress the Iridi plenipotentiaries claimed all Ireland as the proper unit of (incontinent. hut were compelled to recognise the fact of the eM-tenee ol a section of ‘•our people" who disagreed, at present at any rate, with the majority's aims. The British and Irish plenipotentiaries at fir-t endeavoured to work out a scheme lor the unification of Ireland, involving the continuance of local self-government ill the North and East. The representatives ol Northern Ireland, however, refused point blank to enter the discussions unless this proposal was withdrawn. Continuing. Mr Duggan says: “When it is said the north was not. consulted, it. should be remembered that this was mainly due to it- rerefusal, even to consider, possible lines i.f settlement, "ft was clearly understood the purpose of the Commission was not merely to rectil.v an inconvenient border, but in prevent the infliction of avoidable injustice on the people desiring In remain in the f ive State. The Irish signatories held and expressed this view from the tir-r. Moreover, the same interpretation was plainly put forward by Lord Birkenhead and Mr Lloyd Ceorge."