EIRE SENATE SURPRISE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 33, 9 February 1939, Page 8

EIRE SENATE SURPRISE

REPUBLICAN' ARMY ULTIMATUM MR. DE VALERA’S ALLUSION Received Feb. 8, 7.20 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 7. Mr. P. T. Kelly (Independent) referring in the Eire Senate, to the Republican Army's ultimatum to Lord Halifax, said he regretted that the Government did not issue it. He would like to know Mr. de Valera's attitude. Mr. Kelly read the names of those remanded in London and added that if there were many more such young men ready to make sacrifices, Ireland would be free. Mr. de Valera sprang a surprise when, interrupting the debate after the speech by Mr. Kelly, announced Bills to be introduced on February 8 that would provide the necessary powers to enable lhe Government to maintain its position and authority. It is understood the Public Safety Act may be revived and a military tribunal restored. The announcement caused a sensation in Dublin where the arrests of extremists is expected to follow immediately Mr. de Valera began by deprecating Mr. Kcty’s reference to the London charges. He said they could only regret that things were happening which they did not want to happen while the Government was trying to concentrate public opinion on the partition issue. Then, obviously alluding to the I.R.A. ultimatum, he said: “There is another matter which is a definite challenge. No other body has the right to speak for the Irish people but ourselves as the lawful Government.” (Loud applause). “We shall carry out our obligations and shall not allow a situation to develop here as on the Continent where people are robbed of their freedom.” After announcing the legislation he proposed to introduce, Mr. de Valera said he believed the British people and the British Government would like to end the partition injustice, which would justify force if there was any chance of succeeding, but he knew’ it would not succeed. He did not advocate force, which would only damage a situation which had been improving. According to another report, Mr. de Valera said: “I am opposed to a policy of force but if we had the strength of some Continental nations I would not hesitate tn go north and put an end to the coercion of the nationalists. I do not think, however, that it would provide a permanent solution of the problem.” The debate concluded.