PROGRESS MADE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 85, 20 January 1938, Page 5

PROGRESS MADE

ANGLO-IRISH CONVERSATIONS. SEEKING TRADE AGREEMENT. DETAILS BEING WORKED OUT. (United Press Association—Copyright.) (Received This Day, 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, January 19. A communique issued alter the An-glo-Irish conversations to-day stated: “While no agreement was reached on various questions it was felt that the discussions had proceeded far enough to justify the officials of the respective governments making a more detailed examination of a number of points immediately. The meetings of Ministers will be resumed as soon as the necessary data is available.” The Secretary of State for the Dominions (Mr Malcolm MacDonald) will confer with Mr de Valera at the latter’s hotel to-night. Meanwhile the details of a comprehensive trade agreement are being worked out.

Mr de Valera and his colleagues leave for, Dublin at 8.45 a.m. to-morrow but the experts will remain in London.

DE VALERA’S MESSAGE. TO IRISH PEOPLE OVERSEAS. LONDON, 1 January 19. , Mr Eoman’ de Valera, in a message to Irish people averseas, said; “I am hopeful that the discussions will end jn,improvement of our, relations with our neighbour. Throughout we emphasised that ending of the partition and restoration vof the unity of, Ireland was the-' essential foundation for the ■establishment of real understanding and friendship. The difficulties still ahead are great, but the discussions have been conducted in a- frank, friendly atmosphere. We ask all people of goodwill to assist in removing them.”

ONLY A SHORT ADJOURNMENT.

(Received This ,Day-,‘ 10. 35 a.m.) LONDON, January 19. It is anticipated here that the adjournment of the Irish Conference will last only a .few weeks. In regard to trade .the main endeavour will be to work out details .which should lead to a comprehensive agreement. —British Official Wireless.