IRISH REPUBLIC

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 204, 10 June 1933, Page 5

IRISH REPUBLIC

AMERICAN STATESMAN’S SPEECH

INDEBTEDNESS TO IRELAND.

AN ASTONISHING INCIDENT.

(United Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, June 9.

The Cork correspondent of the “Daily Express” says that an astonishing incident signalised the reception of Mr Cordell Hull (head of the United States’ • delegation, to the Economic Conference) when he was publicly welcomed by the Lord Mayor of Cork. Mr Hull said: “People of the Irish Republic, I greet you. On behalf of the oldest Republic of tlie West I greet the newest Republic, and it is only fitting that, the new Republic and the old should meet.”

Mr Hull went on to say that the American people could not in 1000 years repay their debt to the Irish race. He raised liis glass to “the health of the President of the Irish Republic.” Mr Frank Aiken (Irish Minister of Defence) responded. Mr Hull has since explained that his speech had no diplomatic or political significance. He realised that his slip might create an unfortunate incident, and made a vain attempt to prevent it being reported. , He explained, on his own behalf, that, the word “republic” was used in the confusion, of the moment.

Mr Hull was received by the Lord Mayor in the saloon of the liner President Roosevelt at Queenstown, when on his way to Plymouth.

“SIDE CONSIDERATION.”

MR HULL’S POINT OF VIEW.. (Received This Day, 10.5 a.m.) LONDON, June 9. Mr Cordell Hull, questioned by 40 American and British pressmen in reference to his reported use of the term “Irish Republic.” at Cork, said ho had been conferring for months with the Frqe State representatives. He regretted that somo people failed to rise to the level of a great occasion, but sought to divert attention by little side considerations^