THE OATH BILL

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1932, Page 5

THE OATH BILL

ULSTER AND STATE

DRAMATIC EFFECTS FORESCAST,

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

LONDON, May 25. Ulster’s future constitutional position may bo dramatically affected if the Free State Senate passes the Uatli Bid, says the “News Chronidle’s” .Belfast correspondent. An Irish authority on international law asserts that, if the Bi'U is passed, cease to exist at Ulster, returning direct control to the British House of Commons.

Ever since the treaty was signed, lie pointed out ; Ulster unionists have held that self Government was forced on them, and if -the Free State’s Oath Bid is passed, the Ulster Government may take the view that the agreement, which brought both Governments into existence, has broken, freeing them from the oath of obligations, thus ending De Valera’s hope, .for a United lirotaind.

oath bill debate,

“ACT OF POLITICAL PIRACY.’’

(Received this day at 9.25 a.m)

LONDON, May 25,

The Irish Senate was crowded when de 'Valera submitted the Oath Bill. ■Mr James Douglas said that de Valera could have based his negotiations on the resolution favouring the abolition of the oath instead of choosing a method which injured trade, and caused uncertainty. Membership of the British Commonwealth was a safeguard for political freedom. Sean Mcllroy, who escaped with de Valera from Lincoln Gaol, denounced the Bill as an act of political piracy, whose authors wanted to scuttle the ship of state. The debate was adjourned until June Ist.