IRISH SITUATION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 110, 9 April 1932, Page 7

IRISH SITUATION

BILL TO ABOLISH OATH. “REMOVAL ESSENTIAL TO PEACE.” MR DE VALERA’S STATEMENT. (United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received April 9, 8.5 a.m. DUBLIN, April 8. The Bill to abolish the Oath of Allegiance will be introduced in the Dail on April 20, the first day Parliament meets. Mr Eamon do Vnlera is determined that there shall be no negotiations with Britain regarding the Oath. It is impossible to estimate the measure of support he is likely to receive from the Labour Party. Tlie Independents hold that the Government’s fate is in their hands. A de Valera party newspaper states: “Mr de Valera will probably go to Ottawa. He is drafting replies to the Australian, New Zealand and South African Notes, which are likely to be despatched to-day. The replies will be couched in a friendly spirit, explaining shortly and clearly that the Government does not desire to disturb friendships, but that the Oath is a domestic matter, and its removal is essential to the peace of Ireland.” BRITAIN’S REPLY. NOTE COUCHED IN EMPHATIC TERMS. WARNING TO MR DE VALERA. Received April 9, 12.25 p.m. LONDON, April 8. Britain’s reply to Mr de Valera was dispatched to-night. The Sydney Sun; agency understands that while Britain is anxious to keep the door open the Note, which is couched in emphatic terms, virtually tells Mr de Valera that persistence in his attitude threatens the Free State leaving the Empire, automatically alienating Irish citizens throughout the world. Mr de Valera is unwilling to compromise. He is preparing for the Free State’s complete independence. GENERAL HERTZOG’S MESSAGE. ACKNOWLEDGED BY MR DE VALERA. Received April 9, 12.25 p.m. LONDON, Anril 8. Mr de Valera acknowledged General Hertzog’s message, hoping that nothing would be done to disturb the relations between Ireland and South Africa. Mr de Valera repeated that Ireland refused to acknowledge that any country had the right to insist upon imposing a conscience test on the members of the Dail.