IRISH FREEDOM

Northern Advocate, 27 June 1924, Page 5

IRISH FREEDOM

SELF-GOVERNING DOMINION.

ONLY WAY TO HAPPINESS

WASHINGTON DIPLOMATIC RELA-

TIONS.

(Received Noon.)

LONDON, June 26,

In the House of Lords it was stated by Lord "Arnold that the Government hud instructed the British Ambassador at Washington to inform the United States Government that Britain had concluded that it was desirable that the conduct of matters at Washington exclusively relating to the Irish Free State should be in the hands of the Free State Minister Plenipotentiary accredited to the United States, and the British Government trusted that this proposal would be acceptable to the United States Government. Lord Arnold added that the principle of distinctive representation at Washington having been agreed to in 1920, as in the case of Canada, it must clearly under Article 2 of the Anglo-Irish Treaty be regarded as inherent in the constitutional status of the Irish Free State. The proposal for distinctive representation of Canada in Washington was made in consideration of the great and special importance of Canadian interests in the United States and this consideration applied wit!: equal force to the case of the Irish 1 roe State. In the House of Commons Mr J. H. Thomas, dealing with Irish representation at Washington, said it seemed to be the impression that if the Irish Republic asked for it the representation would be conceded. It should be understood that any such demand would receive the same reply as lie believed would be received from either of the two previous Governments. The Government believed that peace and friendship could be maintained in Ireland by the establishment of the Free State as one erf the self-governing dominions in the British Commonwealth, and in no other way. —Reuter. charge of the State Advances Department (Mr Massey) would, in view of the house shortage, pursue the housebuilding policy of the Department with renewed and increase'? activity. Numerous questions were asked by various members with respect to details of advances under the Act of last session, and if all the returns asked for under this heading are produced with promptitude someone will have to work many hours overtime.

REFORM CAUCUS. FAITH IN 'MR MASSEY. UNANIMOUS VOTE. (Special to "'Northern Advocate.") WELLINGTON, This Day. The Reform caucus last night lasted for three hours. Mr Massey afterwards informed the Press that all the members were present or accounted for. A motion was passed of confidence in Mr Massey as leader of the party and all present pledged themselves individually and collectively to give him all possible assistance duiing the session. Resolutions of sympathy with the Hon. D. H. Guthrie and Mr T. D. Burnett, who are in ill-health, were passed. THE DICKSON CRITICISM. NO CENSURE ATTEMPTED. The interview which Mr J. S. Dickson, Chief Government Whip, gave to an Auckland pressman recently, in which he expressed the opinion that the time had come for the reconstruction of the Cabinet, was much discussed in the lobbies during the last couple of days. It was said that Mr Dickson had thoughts of resigning. Consequently the r suit of the Reform caucus last, night was awaited with interest, but after remaining in meeting for three hours the announcement was made that all present had pledged themselves to give Mr Massey all possible assistance during the session. It was at once apparent that nothing of a disturbing nature had occurred. However, it is understood that had an attempt been made ro chastise Mr Dickson for his action he would have handed in his resignation. This is known on the best authority, and it is learned also that the ques-

lion was not raised at the cauev.s. TELEPHONE SERVICE. WHANGAREI-AUCKLAND DIRECT. (Special to "Northern Advocate.") WELLINGTON, This Day. Mr A. J. Murdoch (Marsdon) is to ask the Postmaster-General when it is proposed to make direct telephonic communication between Warkworth and Mangawai and thereby complete the Auckland-Whangnrei system.