EIRE.

Evening Star, Issue 22638, 3 May 1937, Page 8

EIRE.

Mn dk Valera, in his march towards an Irish Republic, has launched a new Constitution for consideration by the Dail. The goal of the President is a united Ireland, which means the absorption of the six counties of Ulster into what is now known as tho Free State, comprising the other twenty-six counties. Furthermore, Eire, the name which it is proposed to substitute for that of the Free State, Is to be a “ sovereign, independent, and democratic State”; in other words, a republic standing outside the British Commonwealth of Nations. Lord Craigavon, the champion of Ulster, ip expected to visit London to discuss tho latest developments. So far ns cap be judged, tho feeling of the great majority of people in the six counties is resolutely opposed to tho suggested partnership. In tho meantime, therefore, Mr de Valera will proceed with his plans to secure the separation of the Free State from tho Empire. Thus the agreement of 1921 will be abrogated practically in its entirety. It may he urged that it is proposed to drop the substance for tho shadow, but that will bo no bar to tho fulfilment of a sentimental dream. Under the present arrangement as a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations the Free State is master of her own house in everything that is essential to'the wellbeing of the country. With a republic established . many difficulties' would bo encountered in the relation* with Britain. There is the matter of naturalisation, involving tho issue of passports, and many other complicated details bearing on this question. One of the gravest issues would be in relation to trade. Tho farmer in tho Free State would find tho British market to a great extent closed to him. He wopld bo in tho same position as foreign countries. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and India would have preference over him. People in tho Irish Free State who have m aey invested in Britain would have to pay double income tax. The tax would bo deducted in Britain before tho dividend warrants wero sent out, and assuredly tho Irish Free State would charge income tax also. These things have been pointed out on many occasions, but apparently nothing will change tho fixed determination of Mr do Valera to have his way. “ Injustice ” is still a word in the vocabulary of tho people of the Freo State, and among the injustices cited by the President are tho partition of the country and the British occupation of certain Freo State ports by British maintenance troops, in accordance with tho provisions of the treaty. The President has spoken of this as a denial of ono of the fundamental rights of a free nation. But, as has been argued, a British garrison at Queenstown no more threatens the freedom of Southern Ireland than tho garrison at Gibraltar threatens Spain. Queenstown and Gibraltar are not unreasonably regarded as essential links in British communications, as the Panama Canal is for the United States. Appeals and friendly overtures by British. Ministers have no weight with Mr de Valera. What he declares to be past wrongs aro more potent than present and future opportunities. There seems to be little doubt that the electors will ratify the new Constitution at the General Election that is pending. Tho President is reported to ho more firmly in tho saddle than over. Aloof and remote from his followers, he has their support in a degree similar to that given to Parnell before the latter’s downfall. The United Ireland Party seems to be in eclipse, and is not regarded as a serious rival to Fianna Fail, so there appears to be little doubt that a republic for the Freo State is in tho offing. The wisdom ,of its establishment is extremely doubtful, but that will probably not deter the - voter. If complete separation is attained’it may be hoped that in' time, with the removal of misunderstandings, a close alliance, both political and economic, will be established with Great Britain. Such a development would contain overwhelming advantages ,for the Free State.