IRISH AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 12 July 1935, Page 5

IRISH AFFAIRS

BRITISH COMMONS DEBATE. (United .Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, July 10. r„ the House of Commons, Mr J. H. Thomas (Secretary for the Dominions), spoke, during a debate on Irish affairs. He said that he had been asked to advise the House of the difference between the Free State and a Republic. He said that Mr do Valera had defined the difference in a recent speech, which he had alluded to His Majesty the King as a- foreign king. Mr Thomas added that he, personally, summarised Mr de Valera’s views as follows: “First, we must have a Republic, but for certain external affairs, we would be prepared to recognise 3 T our King.” Air Thomas continued:' “My own answer was that T did not believe that any Government in Britain would dare to suggest that the constitutional head should be used for the one purpose and be non-existent for the other. The people of Britain would not tolerate that.” He did not hesitate to say that the British Government would take every step that it could take to prevent Southern Ireland from going from the British Government, however much it might he provoked. Sir Thomas Inskip (Solicitor General) - became apparently alarmed by Air. J. li. Thomas’ statement that the British Government would take every step that it could take to prevent Southern Ireland from going from the British Commonwealth. Sir Thomas Inskip hastened to explain that what Air Thomas had in mind was not to “use the weapons of force,” hut “chains of common interest of the old association,” which would draw the countries closer together.

He added: “The suggestion that Mr do Valera, can proclaim his Repbulic, and still remain within the British Commonwealth of Nations is one which really closes the door to any accommodation. Britain will never co-operate with Mr do Valera in making foreigners of Irishmen.”