ANXIOUS FOR PEACE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 206, 1 September 1933, Page 7

ANXIOUS FOR PEACE.

De Valera Willing to Negotiate With Britain. REPUBLIC IF PEOPLE WANT IT. LONDON", August 31. "I am anxious for peace, and if there is a sincere desire on the part of the British Government to negotiate we are ready," said Mr. de Valera in a special interview with the Dublin correspondent of the "Daily Herald." Mr. do Valera added: "I think, however, that the present state of affairs suits the British Government. It sees in the economic war with the Free State an excuse for banning our produce as a measure of protection for its own farmers. It has not been an unmixed evil for Ireland. Although it has meant hardship it has forced us to move more rapidly in the direction of economic independeuce." In reference to the Blue Shirts Mr. de Valera said they did not cause the Government any real anxiety. They had no roots among the people. The Government's position was secure and it would go ahead with its programme. Asked if it was true that ho would declare a Republic during his term of office Mr. de Valera replied: "You have my assurance that we shall declare a Republic only with the assent of the people."