U.S.A. LEADER’S BLUNDER

Grey River Argus, 12 June 1933, Page 5

U.S.A. LEADER’S BLUNDER

TOASTS IRISH “REPUBLIC.” (Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.) LONDON, Juno 9. The “Daily Express’s” Cork cor* respondent says: An astonishing incident signalised the reception to Mr. Hull, head of the United States delegation, when they were publicly welcomed by the Lord Mayor of Cork ami others. Mr. Hull said: “People of the Irish Republic, I greet you. On behalf of the oldest Republic in the West, I greet the newest Republic, and it is only fitting that the new republic and old should meet.” Mr. Hull went on to say that tho American people could not in a thousand years repay their debt to tho Irish race. He raised his glass “to the health of the President of the Irish Republic.” Mr Aiken, Minister of Defence, responded. Mr. Hull has since explained that the speech had no diplomatic or political significance. Ho realised his slip might create an unfortunate incident, and he made a vain attempt to prevent it being reported. It is explained on his behalf that the word “Republic” was used in the confusion of tho moment. Mr. Hull received the Lord Mayor in the saloon of the liner President Roosevelt, at Queenstown, on route to Plymouth. At Plymouth, Mr. Hull was questioned by forty American and British pressmen in reference to his reported use of the term “Irish Republic” at Cork.

He said that he had been conferring for months with Free State representatives. He regretted that some people failed to rise to the level of a great occasion, but sought to divert attention by little side considerations. THOMAS—DE VALERA GREETING. LONDON, Juno 9. Despite the Anglo-Irish trade deadlock, Mr. J. IT. Thomas welcomed Mr. De Valera on his return from Italy. They warmly shook hands, and conversed for five minutes.