THE IRISH QUESTION

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 257, 22 June 1932, Page 4

THE IRISH QUESTION

There are several remarkable features about the present Irish situation, but perhaps the most remarkable of them all, is the patience with which the British Government is treating its rather intolerably spoiled Irish olfspring. The history of Irish relations with England has been one of trouble and unrest for centuries. There have been faults on both sides, but without entering into the pros and cons, of an extremely controversial question, it is sineerely to be hoped that the infant Irish Free State will not delay too long the process of growing up. Under the moderate Cosgrove administration, it almost appeared as though a solution had been found for the Irish problem, and that the conflicting interests of the emerald isle would succeed in living in quietness, if not in peace together. But the re-appear-ance of that stormy war-time petrel, Eamonn de Valera has re~ vived embers, which otherwise might have smouldered and died, and to-day the petty irritations and annoyances which for so long have characterised the Irish question, threaten once again to merge into a conflagration. But whatever the rights and wrongs of the whole question may be, ■ there can be no excuse for the flagrant bad manners and humbug which have characterised Mr. de Valera's behaviour, since he assumed the « presidency of the Free State. His insistence upon the removal of the oath, his flagrant repudiation of the Free State's financial obligations to British bondholders, and his overt antagonism to everything and anything British, are to say the least, scarcely designed to soothe the smouldering feeling of irritation which has existed between the two countries. In the face of his aggressive attitude, however, Mr. dte Valera still proposes to lead- a delegation to Ottawa, apparently with the idea of participating in any benefits^ which may result to u'nits of the Empire union. It would -tax the powers even of such a mental gymnast as Mr. de Valera to reconcile this attitude with his past performances, and it is a tribute to the tolerance of British statesmen that they have so far been so restrained in their attitude towards the Irish republicans. Mr. Thomas and Lord Hailsham apparently proceeded to Dublin with the honest intention of meeting Mr. de Valera on reasonable grounds, but they were met with an attitude which, in view of the facts, was sheer effrontery. Mr| de Valera had no intention of conceding a single point, but allowed the British Ministers to waste their own time and that of the nation in a mission which was doomed to failure before it began. The invitation to enter inot conversations was extended by Mr. de Valera, but beyond a wearisome repetition* of his previous demands, he failed to show even an intention to compromise. The whole affair has been very aptly described as "one of the greatest hoaxes in British history." And now to cap this series of irritations, comes news of the action of the illegal Irish Republican Army, sheltered by Mr. de Valera, in prohibiting the flying of the Union Jack in Dublin, the refusal of the Free State to recognise the Privy Council, and the gratuitous insult extended to the Governor-General, Mr James i McNeill by excluding him from the oflicial reception to the Papal Legate. If, in the face of all these things, Mr. de Valera persists in his intention to proceed to" Ottawa, in an endeavour to participate in the benefits of the Empire Union, he will richly merit any rebitffs Which may be given him.