FREE STATE AND BRITAIN

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21992, 16 January 1937, Page 13

FREE STATE AND BRITAIN

OFFICIAL DISCUSSIONS LONDON, January 14. The Secretary of State for the Dominions (Mr ""Malcolm MacDonald) called on Mr de Valera, who was passing through London on his return from Zurich, where he consulted an eye specialist. Special significance attaches to their talk in view of the statement by the Free State Minister for Education (Mr Thomas Derrig) on January 10 that he hoped the New Year would bring the final disappearance of the remaining differences between Britain and the Free State. A formal announcement that "informal discussions occurred on a number of matters affecting AngloIrish relations" was issued after the meeting. The political correspondent of the "News-Chronicle" says that among the subjects discussed were the President's constitutional intentions and whether the Free State should participate in the Coronation. • It is understood that Mr de Valera may act to prevent volunteers from going to Spain.

NEED FOR SETTLEMENT

POSITION CONSIDERED HOPEFUL

(Received January 16, 2 a.m.) LONDON, January 15. Mr E. de Valera has returned to Dublin. He declined to make a statement before leaving. The "Irish Times," in commenting on the conversations with Mr Malcolm Mac Donald, says: "Now that a start has been made there must be no withdrawal. The people of both countries are anxious for a settlement. The situation is more hopeful politically than at any time since the Fianna Fail came into power. Ireland, for the first time since the Act. of Union, has recognised a king of her own free will. The European situation demands a working agreement."