NO NEGOTIATIONS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 222, 13 May 1932, Page 5

NO NEGOTIATIONS

(Press. Assn.-

1rish oath bill BRITAIN WILL NOT DEAL WITH BEPUDIATORS OF TREATIES STATEMENT IN COMMONS

— By Telegraph— Copyright).

Rec. May 12, 7.50 p.m. LONDON, Thursday. In the House of Comomns Mr. C. Emmott (Conservative, Springburn, Glasgow) asked: Did the Government intend to eiiter into negotiations with the Irish Free State in regard to the application of the Import Duties Act to the Free State after November 15? Mr. J. H. Thomas (Secretary of State for the Dominions) replied that the provisions of the Irish Oath Bill are in direct confliet with the Free State's obligations under the 1921 Treaty. It appears to the Government, if the Oath Bill becomes law, that it would be unreasonable to expect Britain to enter into negotiations for further agreements With a Government which thus had already repudiated an existing agreement. (Ministerial cheers) . Dominions Must Decide The Australian Press Association understands Mr. Thomas' statement means that each Dominion must decide for itself whether it will mahe agreements with the Free State at Ottawa. Mr. Geo. Lansbury (Leader of the Opposition) said the Oath Removal Bill had not yet been before the Free State Senate aiid he doubted if it would be of any advantage to discuss at present the position of the Free State at Ottawa, but when the matter was settled he would aslc for a debate. Mr. Baldwin (Lord President of the Council) promised to give the matter favourable consideration. Firm Stand Welcomed The Parliamentary correspondent of the Daily Telegraph attaches great importance to Mr. J. H. Thomas' statement which was made after Gabinet had discussed the matter. The Conservatives generally are delighted with the Government's firm stand, but it is explained in authoratative quarters that the statement does no define the position of the Dominions. It is also contended that it is easy to take ' an over-tragic view of the situation. The Oath Bill may be held up in the Irish Senate, aiid there may be another election before it is passed.