Anxious for Peace With England

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7250, 1 September 1933, Page 7

Anxious for Peace With England

DE VALERA’S DECLARATION. Received Thursday, 9 p.m, LONDON, Aug. 31. “I am anxious for peace, and if there is a sincere desire on the part of the British Government to negotiate, we are ready,” said Mr. de Valera in a special interview with the Daily Herald, hut he added he thought the present state of affairs suited the British Government, ‘‘They saw in the economic war an excuse for banning Irish produce as a measure of protection to their own farmers. It has not been an unmixed evil for Ireland, although it has meant hardship. It has forced us to move more rapidly in the direction of economic independence.” Referring to the Blue Shirts, he said they did not cause the Government any anxiety. They had no roots among the people. The Government's position was secure it it would go ahead with its programme. Asked if it was true that he would declare a republic during his term of office, he replied: ‘‘You have my assurance that we shall declare a republic only with the assent of the people.” Time Ripe for United Front Under o’Duffy Received Thursday, 11 p.m. LONDON, Aug. 31. The Daily Mail says: “The I.R.A. Army Council’s statement declares that the I.R.A. no longer has confidence in the Government. The anti-do Valera forces are growing and the time seems 'ripe for a united front under General 0 ’Duffy.