THE FUTURE OF IRELAND

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22306, 21 January 1938, Page 11

THE FUTURE OF IRELAND

♦ LONDON CONVERSATIONS ADJOURNED FRANK, FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE REPORTED ' (Received January 20, 2 p.m.) LONDON, January 19. A communique issued after today's British and Irish conversations stated: "While no agreement was reached on various questions, it was felt that the discussions have proceeded far enough to justify officials of the respective Governments making a more detailed examination of a number of points immediately. The Ministers' meetings will be resumed as soon as the necessary data are available." Mr Malcolm Mac Donald will confer with Mr de Valera at the latter's hotel to-night. Meanwhile, details of a comprehensive trade agreement are being worked out. Mr de Valera and his colleagues will leave for Dublin at 8.45 a.m. to-morrow. Experts will remain in London. It is anticipated that the London adjournment of the Irish conference will last only a few weeks, says a British Official Wireless message. In regard to trade, the main endeavour will be to work out details which should lead to a comprehensive trade agreement. Mr de Valera, in a message to Irish people overseas, said: I am hopeful that the discussions will end in the improvement of our relations with our neighbour. We emphasised throughout that the ending of the partition and the restoration of the unity of Ireland was an essential foundation for the establishment of a real understanding and friendship. The difficulties still ahead are great, but the discussions have been conducted in a frank, friendly atmosphere. We ask all people of goodwill to assist in removing them.'