GREATLY CHANGED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 52, Issue 204, 10 June 1932, Page 5

GREATLY CHANGED

FREE STATE POLITICS. AMENDMENTS TO OATH BILL. DELAY IN ITS OPERATION. NOT ACCEPTED BY GOVERNMENT TWO COURSES FOR DE VALERA. (ifnited Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 10.45 a.m.) LONDON, June 9. As a result of the drastic changes in the Senate in the Bill . for the removal of the Oath, the whole political situation of the Irish Free State has undergone considerable change. At the outset the President of the Dail (Mr Eamon de Valera) was asked whether, in view of the discussions now proceeding with the British Government on the difficulties which have arisen regarding the negotiations in connection with the Empire Conference, further consideration of the Bill would be deferred. leplied that' the Govcrnmeht’is attitude to the Oath Bill remained unchanged and the amendment to the effect that the operation of the Bill he postponed until after an agreement had been reached with Britain could not possibly be accepted. If the Dail rejects the amended Bill 18 months must elapse before the Bill c<in be reintroduced and passed. Despite the Senate’s opposition, alternatively Mr de Valera might decide to declare an immediate general election. The newspapers think the iattei course is unlikely.

BUSINESSLIKE DISCUSSION. » URGED UPON DE VALERA. . 1 (Received This Day, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, June 9. Urging Mr de Valera not to waste time in his hair-splitting, face-saving perplexities, Mr Cosgrave’s weekly, “The United Irishman,” says: “Nothing will do more to save his face and redeem the past than businesslike discussions with Britain, speedily resulting in economic agreement benefiting Irish farmers and industrialists. Mr de Valera will find, as Mr Casgrave’s Government always found, that the British, if met fairly, will be reasonable, even generous.

“ULSTER NOT FOR SALE.” INTEGRAL PART OF KINGDOM. LONDON, June 9. • Mr de Valera’s reported suggestion for the incorporation of Ulster into the Free State finds no favour in the North of Ireland. The Government of Ulster and the majority of the people are absolutely opposed to the suggestion. . “It is impossible to treat seriously Mr de Valera’s suggestion to barter for the inclusion of Ulster in the Free State,” declared Lord Carson in an interview. “She is not now and never has been for sale, on any terms. If any such proposal is made it demonstrates the hollowness of the negotiations with Mr de Valera. Lord Craigavon (Premier of Northern Ireland) similarly insisted that there was no change in Ulster’s determination to remain an integral part of the United Kingdom. “This determination has been strengthened by the passage of the years,” he said. “I cannot conceive Ulster changing her view at any time.”

BIG GULF TO BE BRIDGED. COMPROMISE MAY BE DIFFICULT ,LONDON, June 8. The “Sun” learns that nothing more tangible than contact with the fiiendliest relations have thus far resulted out of the conversations between Mr J. H. Thomas and Mr de Valera. There is no foundation either for the reported deadlock or* for the high hopes. The delegates put the case frankly and at length, hut the conversations were only preliminary. Neither side attempted to commit itself. A big gulf clearly remains to be bridged and compromise will be very difficult. DISCUSSIONS IN LONDON. PREMIER TO TAKE PART. LONDON, June 8. At a meeting of the Cabinet to-day, Mr Thomas and Lord Hailsham reported that their discussions with Hide Valera and Irish Free State Ministers yesterday were of a preliminary character and tlie conversations will he continued on Friday, when Mr de Valera will visit London for the purpose. It is understood that the Prime Minister will take part in the discussion.— British Official Wireless.