OATH MUST GO

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 167, 11 April 1932, Page 9

OATH MUST GO

De Valera’s Declaration APPEAL BY MR. FORBES Right of the Free State “BARRIERS TO FRIENDSHIP” In response to a .further .appeal by . the New Zealand Government to do nothing that might jeopardise the position of the Irish Free State in the British Commonwealth, Mr. E. De Valera lias cabled tho Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, announcing his determination to secure the elimination of tho oath. The text of cables between the two Governments was released on Saturday. On April 4, Mr. Forbes cabled Mr. de Valera as follows:—

“His Majesty’s Government in New Zealand have observed with deep regret and real apprehension the position that appears to have arisen in respect of the constitutional position of the Irish Free State. They have hesitated to address themselves on the subject to bls Majesty’s Government in the Irish Free State, but in view of recent developments they have felt it due as much to that Governnient as to themsblves to express in the friendliest manner their views and their hopes.

“In doing so they have desired to take the most meticulous care not to overstep the bounds that normally and properly restrain one partner in the British Commonwealth in commenting on the affairs of another, but they are confident that their object will not be misunderstood and that the good-will that animates this friendly expression of their views will ensure its friendly reception. Relations Between States. “His Majesty’s Government in New Zealand cannot too strongly emphasise (the warmth of the regard in which Irishmen of all classes and creeds are held in this Dominion or the very , high value which the Government and people of New Zealand attach to the association of the Irish Free State with thp United Kingdom and the other Dominions as an equal partner in the British Commonwealth. The relations between his Majesty’s Government in New Zealand and his Majesty’s Government in the Irish Free State have invariably been of the most cordial description, and have afforded a happy augury for the continuance of fruitful and equally cordial co-operation between the Irish Free State and all other members of the British Commonwealth. “The severe economic difficulties through which the world is now passing themselves seem to indicate the extreme desirability, particularly at this time, of maintaining the solidarity of the British Commonwealth, and in the opinion of his Majesty’s Government in New Zealand it would be. calamitous if the forthcoming Imperial Conference at Ottawa, -which offers hopes for our common welfare, perhaps more promising than ever before, should be unable to avail itself of the collaboration of the Irish Free State as a member of that Commonwealth. “His Majesty’s Government in NewZealand have felt and still feel that' the principles embodied in the Statute of Westminster (which New Zealand accepted despite the strongest objection, solely to meet the views of other Dominions differently situated), offer in all essentials a complete guarantee for the future of the autonomy and equality of all the Governments of the British Commonwealth. It is their most earnest hope that his Majesty’s Government in the Irish Free State will not feel themselves obliged to take any step that might prejudice the continued association of the Irish Free State as an equal partner in that Commonwealth.” Immediate Elimination. On April 7, Mr. de Valera cabled Mr. Forbes as follows: — "I fully appreciate the very friendly motives which inspired your telegram of April 4, and I am very glad to have this opportunity to assure you that the Government and people of the Irish Free State have most friendly feelings toward the Government and people of New Zealand. “Our people, conscious of the right of the Irish Free State as a distinct and separate nation, have declared their will that the conscience test imposed by Great Britain on our representatives in Parliament should be removed. It is our duty as a Government to give effect to their will and to secure the immediate elimination of the test. We intend for that purpose to use our fully recognised right to amend our Constitution as the people desire. “We do not consider the Government of Great Britain have a right to regard our intended action as a cause for quarrel. On the contrary, the removal of this and other barriers to friendship created by Great Britain, must result in the establishment of those good relations -which you desire, as -we do, to see established between the peoples of these two islands.” REMOVAL ESSENTIAL Oath a Domestic Matter MR. DE VALERA’S REPLIES Dublin, April 8. Mr. De Valera’s newspaper states that he is drafting replies to the Aus* tralian, New Zealand and South African Notes, and these are likely to be dispatched to-day. They are couched in a reciprocal, friendly spirit, explaining shortly and clearly that the Government does not desire to disturb friendships, but the Oath is a domestic matter and its removal is essential to the, peace of Ireland. NOTE TO DUBLIN Emphatic Terms London. April S. -The Tinies” says that after a two hours’ meeting of the Cabinet’s Special Committee, to which other members of Cabinet were called in, the British reply to Mr. De Valera was approved, and will be sent to Dublin immediately. A Bill to abolish the Oath will be introduced hi the Dail on April 20, the first, day Parliament meets. Mr. De Valera is determined that (here shall be no negotiations with Britain on the Oath. It is impossible to estimate the measure of support he is likely to receive from the Labour Party. The Independents hold the Government's fate in their hands. The "Suu” Agency understands that

while Britain is anxious to keep the door open, the Note is couched in emphatic terms and virtually tells Mr. lie Valera that persistence in his attitude threatens the result of the Free State leaving the Empire and automatically alienating Irish citizens throughout the world. Cabinet unanimously agreed to the "tin De Valera’s reply to Britain’s initial dispatch reaffirmed the Free State's intention to abolish the Oath and repudiate the annuities. He is unwilling to compromise. He is preparing for the Free State’s complete independence and the ranking of Irish nationals individually as foreigners.