IRISH QUESTION

Hokitika Guardian, 30 April 1932, Page 5

IRISH QUESTION

OATH DEBATE

SOME VERY PLAIN SPEAKING

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

DUBLIN', April 29. , Tllß debate on the Oath Removal Bill J • 1 n the Bail Eireann was inarked by y plain speaking. Mr Dan Breen declared that lie went to kill Lord French during the 1914 trouble, in order to sever the link with Britain, and he would do the same again if the occasion arose. An amazing scene followed when a Ccsgrave supporter, Mr O’Connor, made the statement that members oi the Irish Party in the British House of Commons had cheered the announcement of the executions of the Irishmen in 1916 after the rising. “Tt is a damned lie! - ’ shouted Mr John Dillon, an Independent. Mr Coburn rushed to Mr O’Connor, and snatching his coat lapels, cried: L-‘Tf you were younger, I’d kill you where you stand. j A hubbub of voices and the clanging | of bells was stilled when Mi’ CosgfaVe, in a quiet voice, appealed to Mr O’Connor and Mr Dillon to withdraw. Both complied with Iris request.

DOMINION INTERFERENCE

IRELAND AND THE OATH

■RUGBY, April ZS

In the Commons, to-day, when asked whether the Government intended

consultations with the Dominions on the position which had arisen from the attitude adopted by the Irish Free State, the Dominion ‘Secretary (Mr Thomas) replied that the present crisis between the United Kingdom and tic Free State arc.se out of interpretation of the 1921 treaty and other agreements, forming part of the settlement then reached between the two countries. He added that the difference, at the moment, wa? between the two parties to the agreement, one of wh :r -h Pad repudiated it. Mr Maxton: Isn’t it a fact that all the Dominions interfered in the matter by sending messages to the Freo State?

Mr Thomas: I have nothing to add. Mr Maxton. later, urged that the House ■should have the opportunity of debating Mr Thomas’s statement and the Irish question generally.

Mr Baldwin: No useful purpose, could at present be served thereby.