IRISH ELECTIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 February 1932, Page 5

IRISH ELECTIONS

RELATIONS WITH BRITAIN. [BY CABLE —PEESS ABSN. —COPYBIGHT.] [Recd. February 13, 8 a.m.) LONDON, February 12. The “Morning Post” says: Supporters of Fianna Fail think that if the treaty is destroyed, England will return to Ireland, but it is Certain that nothing would induce the British people again to undertake the thankless burden of Irish administration. On the other hand, if the Irish Free State destroy the treaty, Britain will have excellent reason for closing her markets to Irish produce. A Dublin message states that De Valera’s manifesto to the electors sets out that the first plank of his platform is elimination of the oath of allegiance, which Deputies and Senators are required to take. Secondly, he will refuse to hand over to the British Government the land purchase annuities, amounting to three millions a year. He will also take legal opinion regarding the validity of other payments totalling two million, the largest item being pensions of the late Royal Irish Constabulary. His policy is to' persuade Britain to realise that the best interests will be served if the two countries lived as friendly independent neighbours.