VALERA’S POLICY

Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1932, Page 5

VALERA’S POLICY

PRESS CRITICISM

EMPIRE BANISHMENT FEARED

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegra pli.—Copy right. ) LONDON, March 18. “The Times’ ” Dublin correspondent expresses opinion that President De Valera’s statement of the 16th inst. “is likely to lead to grave consequences.” It says: “Eyes are now turned on England, where it is expected that official and unofficial opinion will speedily declare itself, dispelling President De Valera’s illusion that the oath is merely a domestic concern and that the annuities can he withheld with impunity. Mr Cosgrave and other leaders refuse to comment.

The “Irish Times,” the . only other newspapers referring! to President De Valera’s programme, declares: “It threatens the Free State’s welfare and very existence. Britain will certainly recover lost annuities by imposing duties and thus killing the Irish Cattle trade. It also leads to a practical certainty that the Free State Would he excluded fifom tile OttaWa Conference, and Ultimately it may banish bet from the Empire. Nevertheless, President De Valera, although ho sidetracked the Dnil Elrann for a month, cannot evade a final reckoning owing to Labour’s support, of the Treaty. It is most improbable that the Dail Eireann wis connive at proposals ruining both the treaty and the Free State.

MR CHURCHILL’S COMMENT. LONDON, March 19.

Mr Churchill, interviewed on his return from his American lecturing tour, said lie gravely viewed the Irish Free State’s intention to abolish the oath and cease payment of land annuities to Britain. He said it was impossible that Britain could lend the slightest countenance to such a violation of a solemn agreement between the English and Irish peoples. -He added that if President De Valera and his Government repudiated the Treaty they would repudiate the title deeds of the Free State, which would become an anomalous body without status, at all either in or out °f the Empire.