IRISH AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 7 October 1932, Page 5

IRISH AFFAIRS

PARTIES MEET DUBLIN ELATED, (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, October 5. To-day’s meeting between representatives of the Irish Free State and the British Government arose out of :k communication addressed by Mr de Valera, while he was in Geneva, to Mr Thomas. Although no definite indication has been given as' to the scope of the meeting it is understood its purpose will be tc( renew the discusions on the Irish annuities question. The position as it was left on the breakdown of the; July negotiations, was that the British Government proposed arbitration by an Empire tribunal, and-pending an agreement as tp arbitration, were ready to negotiate, either on the basis of the existing situation, or on the basis of the restoration of the position before the distput". Under the first condition, negotiations could proceed with the Free State continuing to withhold annuities, and the British Government continuing to maintain its tariff on Irish goods. the second condition they could proceed, if the annuities were paid, with the British Government responding by the withdrawal of tar* iffs. Mr de Valera would not accept any of these conditions, and in! consequence the negotiations came to an end. To-day was the first time Sir J. Simon particiated in the Anglo-Irish negotiations. This commique signed by Mr Thomas and Air de Valera was issued this afternoon: — “The meeting took place this morning between representatives of the Governments of the United Kingdom r/.d the Irishli Free .State, Mr Thomas, Mr Neville Chamberlian, Lord Hailsmam and Sir J. Simon representing the Government of the United Kingdom. The Irish Free State re' presentatives were Mr de Valera, and the Free State Attorney-General, Mr Conor 'Maguire. It was agreed to adopt the suggestion that had arisen concerning. Irish land annuities be made the subject of negotiations between the two Governments. In the course of conversation, attention was failed to the fact that other sums formerly paid to the United Kingdom wore being withheld bv the Irish Free State. It was agreed that the negotiations should cover these sums also, and that the discussions be commenced between the members of noth Governments in London, if possible, on October 14.”

As indicated in the communique the conference was concerned with the financial side of the dispute between two governments, and withholding by the Free State of the instalments of certain periodical payments to Britain which in a full year total about five ; million pounds, whereof about three milions relate to annuities. Mr de Valera left London, this evening returning to Dublin by the night boat. MR THOMAS’ STATEMENT. BRITISH DUTIES TO REMAIN. LONDON, October G. Mr de Valera, after the conference, declined to give a statement, but Mr J. 11. Thomas, who was pressed by the journalists, stated categoricallly that Britain’s customs duties will remain i n force until negotiations are completed, adding: “This is definite.” The conference last July broke down over Mr de Valera’s demand that the British duties should be removed before negotiations were begun.. Mr de Valera has now revised his view. Dublin is elated at the new of the renewed negotiation,). Mr Ccsgrave says he always advocated a. settlement by negotiations, and that lie hopes these will be successful. THE INITIAL STEP. ' (Received this day at 9.25 a.m) LONDON, October 6. “This is only an initial step. I do not prophesy the result,” said Mr de Valera, on arrival at Dublin at dawn. He added that a continuation of the dut : ies was not the best atmosphere for negotiations but we are to try. Britain yesterday offered to remove the duties if the annuities wcie paid, but I was unprepared to dojdiat. Our remaining in the CommnweaTtli is not the issue of the negotiations. The “Manchester Guardian” Says undoubtedly Sir J. Simon its entitled to credit for breaking the Anglo-Irish deadlock as a result of conversations with de Valera at Geneva, though perhaps the plight of Irish farmers is partly contributory.