IRISH AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 5 December 1925, Page 3

IRISH AFFAIRS

COMPLETE TRIPLE AGREE.MENT. OFFICIAL STATEMENT. [Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, December 11. Mr Winston Churchill (Chancellor of the Exchequer) has made a statement on the Irish Settlement. He said : “ Complete agreement has been reached, after three days continuous conferences, which included the Honndary Commissioners, whom Britain desires deeply to thank for their services in the cause of Irish peace and unity. The Boundary Commission’s Report will not now he published, inasmuch as the agreement which" has supervened is much more satisfactory than any arbitration, however, excellent or admirable in itself. I am glad that to-night, for the first time, there is a complete triple agreement between Britain, the Irish Free State and Ulster, absolutely settling the boundary question, which has over us, which prevented a settlement on the eve of the war at Buckingham Palace Conference and which threatened to embroil Britain in strife and confusion eighteen months ago. The settlement must he regarded ns an immense advance in the steady process of reconciliation, appeasement and consolidation since the Trisli Treaty was signed.”

THE SIGNATORIES. LONDON, December 1. Air Baldwin, Air Churchill, Sir Will. Joynson Hicks, Lord Birkenhead and Air Amery signed the agreemeait on behalf of Britain. President Cosgrnvc, Messrs O’Higgins, Blythe and O’Bryne signed for the Irish Free State. Sir, James Craig and Air Blackmore signed for Ulster. IRISH LEADERS’ STATEAIENTS. LONDON, December I. Sir James Craig, has issued a statement as follows:—“ I desire to thank the Ulster people for their restraint and patience during a long period of anxiety and suspense. I am. fully satisfied with the outcome of the negotiations.” The signatories have separated to-night with a cordiality which I sincerely trust, will result in more friendly relations being permanently maintained among all classes and creeds throughout Ireland. I am returning to Ireland to-morrow with nothing but relief that statesmanship lias succeeded in surmounting a grave situation.”

The Free State Almisters hurriedly dined at the House of Commons with Sir James Craig and the British -Ministers, and they then departed immediately for Dublin. Meantime President Cosgrave telegraphed the “ Irish Times” as follows:—“We bring hack an instrument solemnly executed by friendship. This agreement is accepted in the spirit in which it was negotiated and signed, and it provides it basis for a sure and lasting peace. We confidently recommend it to the Irish people.”

It was eleven o’clock before the text was known in Dublin.

PRESS COMMENT. LONDON, December .1. The “ Daily Chronicle's” political correspondent states: At a rough calru. lotion the Irish Free State is excused from paying to Britain about five millions of annual interest on an obligation of about one hundred millions. The “Daily News” editorially, says: “ The settlement is the -best way out of the difficulty. The time is now ripe for Dublin and Belfast courageously to face their mutual problem.” The “Daily Express” states:—“The settlement may not bring relief to the British taxpayers, but the proposal of

the stsihilisatiom and pacification (if Jroliind is well worth the disappearance any crock of field at the foot of imy rainbow.” Press comment!) on the Irish settlement ere divided, ranging from complete approval to condemnation of- tinpolicy of throwing on the British taxpay a burden estimated at 2b millions sterling. The Exchange Agency’s Dublin correspondent says :—“ Tt is generally agreed. that President Cosgrave tins made a good bargain in securing the cancellation of financial liabilities, but the agreement will he strongly opposed in some quarters. The Government will have to tight to secure, its ratification.”

The opinion in London has not yet been fully expressed. A number of papers do not comment editorially but their news columns indicate a general approval. They stress the view that Trish questions have now become a matter for Irishmen to settle among themselves. (Renter.) The “Daily Afail ” states: “The popular sport of “codding” the Englishman is nowhere carried to such high perfection ns in Dublin, it has been practised in this ease with singular success. The Englishman is always made to pay everywhere. Nobody troubles to pay him.” SPREAD LIKE WILDI' llt K. LONDON, December 3. In the midst of the noisy, obstructive debate in the House of Commons, on the Safeguarding of industries Bill, Mr Baldwin, the Prime Minister, intervened to announce the Irish settlement, which, he said, had been signed just an hour ago. It was divided into five clauses, the preamble stating:— “ Whereas the Governments of Britain and the Free State, united in amity in this undertaking with the Government of Northern Ireland, being resolved mutually to aid one another in a spirit of neighbourly comradeship, they hereby agree to the text.” The clauses merely express, in legal language, the points already summarised.

The agreement concludes: “This agreement is subject to confirmation by the British Parliament and by the Irish Free State. The British Parliament will fix a date from which the Council of Ireland shall be abrogated, and, instead of it, the Governments of Northern Ireland and the Free State will hold meetings to discuss matters ot common interest.”

After Mr Baldwin’s statement, Mr Runciinan, on behalf of the Liberal ' Party, said that they felt sure that the agreement reached in freland would be heard of with relief and pleasure throughout the whole English-speaking world. ! Events in connection with the Irish 1 Boundary took the course foreshadow- j ed yesterday. Following on the Cabinet’s decision drastically to reduce the Free State’s financail obligations, the terms were finally settled at a triangular conference at the Treasury lasting for four hours. These were speedily incorporated in an agreement which was signed, and it was announced later in the House of Commons. The news spread like wildfire. Half empty I tenches were filled. Mr Baldwin’s opening announcement of the actual signature aroused a storm of cheering, which was repeated when he alluded to the spirit of neighbourly eonirndeship which had made the agree, ment possible. Mr Runciinan followed with a sentence. He was sure, lie said, the statement would he heard with relief and pleasure by the whole English-speaking world.