IRELAND

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 8 August 1924, Page 5

IRELAND

IRISH BOUNDARY QUESTION. ULSTER UNYIELDING. SS CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT LONDON, Aug. 6. The Belfast correspondent of the Daily Telegraph states that, despite the statement of Mr. ,J. H. Thomas (Colonial Secretary), the Bill will be stubbornly resisted on behalf of Ulster, where the Free State’s attempt to secure a large area, of territory has caused most intense feeling. There is little likelihood of Ulster appointing a delegate to the Boundary Commission unless the power of the commission are limited. THE BILL INTRODUCED. COMPLETING COMMISSION. LONDON, Aug. 6. in the House of Commons, Mr. Thomas (Secretary for the Colonies), announced that Parliament would meet on September 30 unless in the meantime the North Irish Government appointed a. boundary commissioner. The Government's Bill, which is being introduced to-day, would be pressed forward. Mr. Cosgrave wrote to Mr. MacDonald on August 4 stating that, afte? the fullest consultation with his colleagues, he must urge upon the British Government the necessity of passing the Bill rectifying the treaty before Parliament adjourns, to remove finally the grave doubts and suspicions aroused in the minds of the Irish people by the long delay in appointing the Boundary Commission.

Mr. MacDonald felt it was impossible to call on Parliament at the end of the session to consider legislation which was certain to be seriously opposed, not merely in the House of Commons, but in the House of Lords, without allowing time for reflection. Therefore, Messrs. Thomas and Henderson went to Dublin and had a full and frank discussion with Mr.- Cosgrave and his colleagues, as the result which the Government decided to ask Parliament to meet on September 30 instead of October 31.

The Government on September 30, will move the second reqdiug of the Bill, and thereafter use all its powers to pass it into law.

The Government did not pretend that the Free State Government would be satisfid, but it was lipped that at least they would be able to .satisfy the Irish people that the British Government and people meant to keep faith. The Government most earnestly hoped that the Northern Ireland Government, before September 30, would appoint a representative to the commission, rendering further progress with the Bill unnecessary. “Let there be no mistake,” declared Mr. Thomas, “the issues are grave, involving the honour and good faith of Britain. They are too serious to be the sport of party controversy.” He hpped, therefore, that the Press and people would refrain from action calculated to inflame old prejudices. Mr. Thomas then formally introduced the Irish. Free State Confirmation of Agreement Bill, which was read a first time. The Daily Telegraph reports that Mr. Thomas, on leaving Dublin, said: ‘ Wo are not disappointed at the result of our visit.” LONDON, Aug. 7. In the House of Commons, after Mr. Thomas, statement, heat was generated in the ensuing discussion. Sir John Simon asked a. series of questions about the advice Mr. Thomas had given to the Northern’ Ireland Government. The Speaker evoked Opposition cheers on saying that Sir John Simon’s questions sounded like an argument. A Conservative member interjected • “It is unfair; just like them.” Mr. Ronald McNeill, referring to Mr. Thomas’ appeal to the press, asked if Mr. Thomas expected complete silence for the next two months. Mr Thomas, replying, emphasised ms deep indebtedness to the Free State Government for its appreciation ol the difficulties. Therefore he was entitled to ask the sections of the press which had announced in blazing letters that the proclamation of an lush Republic was imminent- to refrain from encouraging, not merely the enemies of the Free State, but the enemies of the Empire. The Speaker disallowed further questions. ”