EMPIRE AND LEAGUE

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 August 1929, Page 9

EMPIRE AND LEAGUE

IRISH SECESSION REPORTED.

(United Service.) (By Cable—Press Assn.—Copyright.)

(Recd. August 28, 3 p.m.) LONDON, August 27. It is learned that an unprecedented meeting occurred at No. 10 Downing Street, this afternoon. It was attended by Mr McDonald and every available member of the British Cabinet, the Dominion High Dommissioners, and British and Dominion League delegates. It was a virtual Empire Cabinet, one of first if not the first ever held except during the Imperial Conference. The meeting was of first rate importance, but is shrouded in mystery to such an extent that the only indication that the meeting had been held was the announcement that Mr MacDonald had received Dominion delegates. No mention was made of the fact that those present also included Lord Passfield, Mr Alexander, Lord Robert Cecil and Dr. Dalton, representing the Foreign Office. There is good reason for believing that the Irish Free State had a most important role at to-day’s conference, and dropped a bombshell it is reported by demanding the right of entirely independent action at the forthcoming League Assembly. It is understood |hat attempts were made to overcome the difficulty by conceding the Free State’s desire to act independently, but only after consultation with the other self-governing members of the Empire. It is hoped that the usual custom of the British delegation regularly meeting Dominion members during the League session will be continued, enabling policies to be confidentially discussed. Any abandonment of such practice is obviously of the utmost seriousness. Indeed the Free State’s present intractability constitutes one of the gravest threats to Imperial accord. Apparently those at to-day’s meeting were sworn to strictest secrecy, and would not offer information. Official circles are likewise reticent. The conference lasted over two hours, and no decision was reached. It will be resumed at Geneva on Sunday, when Mr MacDonald meets the British delegation and the chief Dominion delegates.