IRISH AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1932, Page 5

IRISH AFFAIRS

OATH OF FEALTY REJECTION ALMOST CERTAIN. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON, 'March 24. The Australian press says tiiat nothing startling is expected in connection with the Irish Free State demands at present. The next move rests with LYIr De Valera. Many communications will probably pass between Dublin and London. It is yet to be discovered whether Mr De Valera will secure a majority for the abolition of the oath.

'1 he result must : be 'uncertain until the Bail resumes on April 20th. All depends on the attitude of the Labour Party. Even if tlie> bill is passed by the ’Bail, rejection is almost certain in the Senate, where Mr Cosgrave still has a majority. In this event, the bill will bd suspended for 270 clays, when it automatically "becomes law.

FRENCH PRESS OPINIONS

PARIS, March 24

The French press attaches great importance to .the Irish situation, the “Figaro,” declaring that the treaty cannot be renounced in a one-sided manner, It asks whether Mr De Valera intends to condemn tho Free State to .isolation and ruin.

“HUSH HUSH” POLICY

GRAVITY OF POSITION

LONDON, March 24

In the House of Commons Mr G. Buchanan (Glasgow Labour) protested against the Government’s 1 hushhush” policy concerning Ireland. The newspapers and Mr Thomas had given the serious aspect of .the problem to himself and Mr Maxton, in making statements about “YYar.” They might have been wrong, but that was theii view. Anything might happen _in the next eight or ten days if the situation was as serious as the House had been told.

He hoped the House would be consulted before any step was taken embroiling the relationships of Britain and Ireland.

“The Times” says the situation as regards the Free State u no doubt as grave as Mr Thomas described, but it may prove graver and more serious .for the Free State than for any one else.

There can be no question of using force as Mr Maxton has suggested or of wasting the time of the Ministers Avith wrangles .oy.qr th§.. precise, meaning of the oath.

IRISH CABINET

BRITISH NOTE CONSIDERED

DUBLIN, Mjarcli 2o

De Valera, presided at a Cabinet meeting that dismissed Britain’s note. It is understood Cabinet’s reply will assert the oath, as contained in the Treaty has not been, referred to by De Valera, who maintains he is only dealing with the oath in the constitution which Mr C'osgra.ve framed. Cabinet will stress that 'Northern Ireland was allowed to retain land annuities and the Free State is also entitled to retain its position.