THE IRISH CRISIS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 April 1932, Page 8

THE IRISH CRISIS

OVERSEAS POSITION

MEETING OF AUCKLAND ULSTERMEN.

AUCKLAND, April 9

“The choice that we have to make is, whether we are to be aliens in our native country or aliens in our adopted country,” said Archdeacon G. Alac-Alurray, at last evening’s annual meeting of the Ulster Society of Auckland, when considerable concern at tlie position in the Irish Free 'States and the effect upon 'Northern Ireland and Irish people living in the overseas dominions was expressed. “The present time of crisis, for the British Empire as well a® for Ireland, is such that hesitation is relt in making utterances regarding tile position,” said Archdeacon Mac Murray. “There is, however, a great need for people to think rightly about Irish affairs. And as an Ulsterman I want to say what a great regard I have for Ireland. Outside of politics, the Irish are the most lovable people I know. But the present crisis affects the whole Empire and there are grave questions at stake.”

WHAT REPUBLIC 1 WOULD MEAN

After detailing the events leading up to the present position in Ireland, 110 said it was proposed to abolish the oath of allegiance to the King and to form a republic. The Free State also appeared desirous oF bringing in Ulster to form a united Ireland. In his opinion, there should he n greater realisation that the formation of a republic would mean that thousands of Irish in the overseas dominions would he a hens until they were naturalised as British subjects, if this aspect were considered more there would he greater opposition to the movement. For many people it was simply a question whether they should separate from Ireland or surrender their rights as British citizens. Either course would he painful.

GREAT IMPERIAL FIGURES. After referring to the freedom of government possessed by the peoples of the British Commonwealth of Nations and the advantages of common language, literature and justice, Archdeacon Mac Murray said it should he remembered in Ireland that the Irish, as well as the English and Scots, had built- up the Empire. He mentioned Earl Kitchener and Lord Roberts as among the great Empire figures who had been Irish. As a republic Ireland would be apart from the dominions and would lose the privileges of the Empire. The agreement under which the greater part of Ireland was composed as a Free State was a solemn contract, and it would be dishonourable to break it. A Parliament could make a breach legal, perhaps, but it could not make it honourable.

ULSTER LOYAL TO CROWN. In conclusion, the speaker said that lie shrank from the thought of his country breaking a contract with the Empire. In regard to the suggestion that Ulster should be part of an Irish republic, one had to ask why Ulster had stood out from the Free iState. It had been because Ulster people had been certain that proposals to abolish the oath and separate from the Empire would be made. The Ulstermen’s loyalty to the Empire was greater even than that to Ireland, and Ulster would stand loyal to the Crown to a man. "If Mr de Valera wants Ulster in he is going the wrong way about it. When extreme proposals are discounted Ulster might be,, willing to bo with the rest of Ireland,” he concluded.

ALWAYS IN TROUBLE. "Our country has always been in •trouble, and I am afraid it always will he,” remarked Mr A. ,J. Entrienn. "There is every reason why Ulster people should remain loyal to Ireland, but I am afraid Ulster « going to have a had time. Tt will always be loyal to the Crown, and we can be certain that the Empire will protect it. We all regret the turn of affairs in the Free State.”