ANGLO-IRISH DISPUTE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 257, 29 September 1932, Page 7

ANGLO-IRISH DISPUTE

STATEMENT BY MR DE VALERA

HOPES FOR SOLUTION. POLICY OF THE FREE STATE. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received September 29, 12.10 p.m. LONDON, Sept. 28. The Press Association’s Geneva correspondent states that, in an exclusive interview, Mr de Valera expressed surprise at the persistence of tho belief in some quarters that any action taken by his Government would affect the people of Irish birth and descent living in Australia and the other Dominions. Though recognising the strong Irish sentiment in Australia, Mr do Valera insisted that they, as Australian citizens, could not possibly be affected by the policy of his Government any more than Irish born people living in America or the Continent.

Referring to tho Anglo-Irish dispute, he said he still hoped that a satisfactoiy solution would be found in order to remove the present discriminatory tariffs between Britain and Ireland. It was the policy of his Government to make the Free State more self-support-ing.

“If we go outside the British Commonwealth of Nations 1 (Mr do Valera carefully avoided using the word ‘Empire’) we dcr not pretend that Irish trade will become any easier, but as it is almost entirely with Britain 1 cannot see that tho Dominions are affected either way.” Mr de Valera smiled and shook his head when he was asked about the development of tho Government’s present policy. ‘‘lt is not for mo to forecast the Free State's intentions regarding departing from tho Commonwealth of Nations, but we as a Government have obligations to our people to whom we gave certain pledges, including the abolition of tho oath of allegiance and obtaining justice over the land annuities and other payments. Whether we go bej'ond those steps is for tho future Government to decide.” Ho said he had met foreign and Dominion statesmen at Geneva, including Mr AV. M. Hughes, at a luncheon today, but his position as president of the League Council prevented his discussing internal affairs.