EIRE AND THE EMPIRE

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25638, 29 October 1948, Page 3

EIRE AND THE EMPIRE

VIEWS OF LOYAL ORANGE LODGE (P.A.) WELLINGTON, October 28. It would be unfortunate if the impression were created, either in New Zealand or abroad, through Mr Fraser’s presence at, and participation in, the Prime Ministers’ conference at the Chequers, that New Zealand favoured, the severance proposed, or regarded the proposal with equanimity, or 'that any formula attempting to make* a place for Eire within the Empire circle would find favour should she repeal the External Relations Act and become a republic, said the public relations committee of the Grand Orange Lodge in a statement issued to-day. The present move to include Eire as a member of the Empire after she. by her deliberate act, had cut herself off from the Empire, must be linked with the agitation to dissociate Northern Ireland from the Crown and the Empire. “In the light of past history and of the present situation,” concludes the statement, "any attempt to assist ‘Dark Rosaleen’ to escape the consequences of her own decision to separate from the Empire or to prejudice the freedom and independence of Northern Ireland will find little favour and small support among loyal Britishers in this Dominion.”