A GREAT HOAX?

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 138, 13 June 1932, Page 7

A GREAT HOAX?

DE VALERA PARLEY.

Disagreement Severe Blow To

Ottawa Prospects,

NO HOPE OF SETTLEMENT. (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, June 12. As Mr. de Valera boarded a mail steamer at Liverpool, on his return to Ireland after the conference with the British Cabinet, he refused to make a statement beyond saying he had enjoyed himself, and adding: "One always does enjoy a little trip like this."

The "Daily Telegraph" political contributor says: "The Irish spokesman had the lion's share of the discussions. He had prepared an elaborate brief, the reading of which occupied most of the morning session. His statement contained no hint of compromise or concession. "The position as regards the Ottawa Conference remains exactly the same. The British Government has no alternative but to refuse to enter into further agreements with the Irish Free State. Thus there can be no agreement regarding preferences.

"Southern Ireland, consequently, will be placed at a serious disadvantage at Ottawa compared with the other Dominions. The disagreement extended to all points—the oath, the land annuities and the partition of Ireland."

The "Morning Post" political correspondent describes the Downing Street conference as one of the greatest hoaxee to which any British Government has been subjected in recent years.

It is understood, says the writer, that the utmost length to which the British Government was prepared to go was the submission of any legal documents in regard to which there were differences of interpretation, to independent arbitration.

"The Times" says: "There can be no change in the attitude of the British Government while Mr. do Valera maintains his present standpoint."

Mr. de Valera is expected to make a statement in the Dail, probably on Tuesday.