The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1938. IMPROVED RELATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 April 1938, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star , with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. ) THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1938. IMPROVED RELATIONS.

The Empire generally as well as other parts of the world, will welcome the Irish trade and general agreement signed in London this week. It is a stepping stone to greater things and closer union, for trade is a good vehicle conducing to better understanding between the peoples concerned. The agreemnt is creditable alike to both sides, and particularly Ireland, as the country is more generally known. It is in keeping with the gesture which allows an outsider of party policies to be the official candidate for the presidency, yet one highly qualified irrespective of religion or party feeling to hold the post. Mr de Valera inis mellowed with the years, and his recent visits to London indicated his earnestness in the endeavour to bring about a settlement. It was fortunate, too, that one of Mr Chamberlain’s temperament should lead on the other side, and had as his lieutenant, Mr Male 1m MacDonald, who following in his father''4 footsteps, worked unceasingly for the result achieved. The reentry of Eire into closer trading relations and on a footing equal to other parts of flip Empire, is a material factor for the future prosperity of the country. The history of Ireland down through the years has been a distressful one, Imt its people have been piucky and resolute, and stood to their ideals. Time has helped to give a new vision to the outlook, and perhaps to the realisation of the potential strength of the United Kingdom in all matters whether financial political or defence. Onlookers have seen Europe disinlegrating as regards ruling Powers, and the changes leading to attacks on freedom and personal security. In the midst of this rocking of i Powers, the British Empire stands ,

four square to all the new l>orn issues oi which thei'o are many varieties. Apart from trade, the financial dispute between England and Eire has been put on a. workable basis, and so .settled tliis outstanding matter with honour. The negotiations were protracted it is true, and up to the last moment, hardly indicated the success achieved, but, the settlement is one to give satisfaction internally and to spread' a helpful lesson to the world at large. The fairness of the British attitude in the matter has been realised no doubt by the Irish representatives, and the resumption of former closer relations will l>e a matter of delight all round. It is true the delegation did not secure all desired—the lull union of all Ireland, but with an Influential section objecting to the breaking down of the partition which events caused to be raised in former vears, can be quite understood, and the decision will be respected by both sides. The new order will 'leave the point open for review later, ns wa3 no

doubt intended with the choice of an independent President. Mr de Valera may have been prompted to refuse the office with 'that end in view, and his sacrifice can be understood and appreciated. It is to be Imped under the restored order Eire will march to greater prosperity and so more fully justify her nationhood.