EIRE DELEGATES IN LONDON

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22305, 20 January 1938, Page 11

EIRE DELEGATES IN LONDON

Talks Continued At Downing Street

HOPES HELD FOR FURTHER

PROGRESS

(DNTTED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COFTEIGHT.) (Received January 19, 10 p.m.) LONDON, January 18. The Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr Sean Lemass). the Minister for Finance (Mr Sean MacEntee), and the Minister for Agriculture (Dr. James Ryan), members of the Eire delegation to London, left Downing Street at 4.30 p.m. Mr de Valera remained in conversation with the Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain) and Mr Malcolm Mac Donald. The talks resulted in an agreement in principle on a new trade pact which, it is hoped, will break down most of the barriers separating the two countries, says the political correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph.’' The conversations also resulted in a considerable measure of understanding as to defence. The conference will be resumed at noon on Wednesday. The continuance of discussions encourages the hope of further progress. The Ministers concerned with questions of trade and agriculture will meet to-morrow at 10 a.m.

It is reported that the Eire delegates will proceed home after the adjournment of the conference on Wednesday, and the conference will be resumed at a later date after further expert examination of the subjects under discussion. As was expected, the partition issue was not raised again, the position of the two sides having been made completely clear yesterday. It is understood that plans have already been made for a further examination of the questions of defence and trade. It is obvious that if there is any possibility of a comprehensive trade agreement between Britain and Eire, an immense amount of preparation is required. To-day’s talks were of a most friendly and frank nature.