EIRE REPUBLIC

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 69, Issue 159, 18 April 1949, Page 3

EIRE REPUBLIC

PROCLAMATION EVE

Fervour Rising

(N .Z.P. A.—Copyright) (Rec. 9.45 aim.) LONDON, April 17. At one minute past midnight tonight will proclaim herself an independent Republic, severing the centuries-old ties with the British Crown. ~

Reuter’s Dublin correspondent says that Republican fervour is rising throughout the 26 counties.

Dublin itself is full of visitors. O’Connell Street is a slowly-shuffling mass of tens of thousands of people, including many, holidaymakers from Britain and America. As tjie last stroke of 12 brings in the 23rd anniversary of the 1916 Easter Monday rising in Dublin, a 2.1gun salute, fired from O’Connell Bridge, will announce that the Republic of Ireland Act has come into force. The salute will be followed by feu de joie from a square of troops. Reuter’s Belfast correspondent says that strong forces of police were on duty in Newry (County Down) to-day, to enforce the Northern Ireland Government’s ban on celebrations of tbe proclamation of the Irish Republic. Many London Irishmen gathered in Trafalgar Square, to protest against; the partition. In Liverpool all avaiahle police patrolled the course of two colourful ' processions which had been rerouted, to prevent any trouble between anti-partitionists and Orangemen.

His Majesty’s Good Wishes

His Majesty has sent the following message to President O’Kelly: r “I sepd my sincere good wishes, being well aware of the neighbourly links which hold the people of the Republic of Ireland in close association with my subjects of the United Kingdom- I hold, in most grateful, memory, the services and sacrifices of the men and women of your country who rendered such gallant assistance to our cause in the recent war and who made; such a notable contribution to our victories. I pray that every blessing may be with you to-day and in the future.” President Truman, in a message to 4 Mi; O'Kelly, sent on behalf of the people of the United States, said: “Sincere good wishes for the continued Welfare and prosperity of your country.” .

A message from Mr Attlee said: “On,

this significant occasion, I send gjieetijngs from the British Government and $ the people to the Republic, and all gpod wishes for its progress and prosperity. We have many ties of kinship i • end common interests, and I look foiv Ward with complete confidence’ to the maintenance of a close cordial frieudY, ship between our two countries.”

The South African Prime Minister, Dr. D. Fj Malan, in a message \to Eire’s Premier, Mr Costello, welcoming the new Republic, praised British and, Irish statesmanship, for “strength- / ening the ties ofifriendshipk” The message added: “South Africa is gratified; that the relations of the Republic of Iceland, with South Africa, as with Other member States of the Commonwealth, Avill continue to be character- ' jsed by the special ties of understanding, . friendship and goodwill, which, cannot but prove mutually beneficial.”

Many Parades Planned

There were, demonstrations tonight in Dublin, Limerick, Athlone and in Cavan. Large crowds assembled in .the centre of Dublin an an early hour, awaiting, the firing, of the salute to signify'the beginning of- the new'era. The city is decorated with flags. • , - There will be a big military parade through Dublin to-morrow, and services of intercession at churches of all the success of the Republic. Demonstrations, celebrations and military parades will be held to-morrow at 24 other centres, including Cork, Limerick, Galway and Athlone. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Dublin correspondent says, that the principal shops in Dublin have erected crush barriers, and jewellers have cleared displays of valuables lest the windows be broken in the crush. His Majesty has now ceased to have any function in association with Eire.. Previously he acted for it in diplomatic and consular matters. The Church of Ireland announced that certain prayers will be altered, presumably those, referring to his Majesty and .the Royal family.

Special Bill Likely

The “Daily Express” says that. a Eill is to he rushed through the British Parliament to clear up the position ofi Eire people who want to be! citizens of the United Kingdom. Without a ' special Act of Parliament, no Eire citizen would be eligible for certain public appointments in Britain or able tp, join any of the British armed sex’vices. Other problems, such as extension of 'Empire preference to Eire, remain. It is expected that the Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ conference will, consider the problems when it meets this week.

INDIA’S CONGRATULATIONS i.l

HOPES FOR FRIENDSHIP (Rec. 9.30) NEW DELHI, April 17. Mr Pandit Nehru, in a message to the Prime Minister of Ireland said:—“On the occasion of the coming into force of the Republic of Ireland Act, 1948, I wish to. convey to the. Government and people of Ireland the best wishes-' of- the Government and people of India. I sincerely hope that the friendship between our two commies will, be maintained, even strengthened, by close co-operation m the extension of democratic freedom to tne 1 peoples of the world who do not enjoy it-and. in the. firm, establishment of world peace.”