MEETING BENEFICIAL AT LEAST

Horowhenua Chronicle, 8 June 1932, Page 5

MEETING BENEFICIAL AT LEAST

HOPES THAT SENATE WILL STAY OPERATION QF OATH BILL. (Received This Day, 12.45 p.m.) DUBLIN, June 7. Escorted by a car-load 'of detectives, Mr Thomas and Lord Hailsham arrived at the Government offices, watched by a silent crowd, who lingered While the conference lasted. Mr Thomas and President, De Valera had never previously come into contact. There were moments of hesitation When they met. Then their hands were extended and cordial greetings exchanged. Mr Thomas later was the host of eight De Valera Ministers at luncheon, At the conclusion of which the crowds cheered the visitors and almost mobbed, their cars. Pew people venture to predict the ■outcome of Friday’s discussions, but even those who despair as to the results emphasise that it is all for the good that De Valera has abandoned long-range defiance in favour of personal contact. •Those who are well informed in Ireland predict -that the Senate will easily carry the proposed amendment to make the Oath Bill ineffective . until Britain consents to the removal of the oath. They claim to, 'detect a distinct -apprehensive swing-over in Ireland against cutting the painter and losing the British market. They say that Irish people are less concerned with the results of -the present conference than with how long De Valera will be forced on the country.