IRISH FREE STATE

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 65, 14 September 1923, Page 7

IRISH FREE STATE

REPUBLICANS AND DAIL

OATH A STUMBLING-BLOCK

MODIFICATION SUGGESTED.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COFIRISHf.)

(AUSTRALIAN - NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.)

LONDON, 13th September.

The "Daily Telegraph" correspondent at Dublin says : "A fresh peace movement is afoot, with a view to enabling the Eepnblioans to enter the new Dafl, which meets on the 19th. The oath of allegiance is the real stumblingblock. The Republicans contend that the oath should be abolished, but this, under the Free State Constitution, is impossible. There is an impression however, that the oath could be modified sufficiently to enable de Valera and followers to join in the deliberations of the Dail. Advocates contend that an amendment of the oath would constitute a step tovvafds filial peace, by c6neiliating a majority of the Republicans, and benefiting the country as a whole. "In the meantime, an intensive campaign for the release of the imprisoned deputies and other Republicans will open on Sunday. Many meetings have been arranged. The speakers are not connned to the Eepubliean Party." According to an earlier message, the Republican headquarters has denied that de Valera lecommended that elected Republicans should take the oath and sit in the Dail. Out'of 44 Republicans elected, 35 are prisoners. The state of parties in the new Dail will be as follows :—- Government 63 Republicans 44 Independents ....;..; im "' m 15 Farmers 15 Labour 15 Under Article. 4 of the "Articles of Agreement" . between Great Britain and Ireland, members of the Free State Parliament shall take an o,ath as follows :— "Ij ■■■••, do solemnly swear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the Irish Free State as by law established, and that I 'will be faithful to H.M. King George V., his heirs and successors by law in virtue of the common citizenship of Ireland with Great Britain and her adherence to and membership of the group of nations forming the British Commonwealth of Nationß."