Irish Citizens In Dominion

Northern Advocate, 29 November 1948, Page 4

Irish Citizens In Dominion

WELLINGTON. Mon. (P.A.).-’Tt is the firm desire of the New Zealand Government that the close friendly relations between New Zealand and Ireland whose people have made such an outstanding contribution to the development not only of New Zealand, but other countries of the Commonwealth, should be maintained and strengthened in every possible way, said the acting-Prime Minister (Mr Nash).

“Our position in New Zealand is established already. "Irish citizens here will enjoy the same status as previously, a status which is defined and protected by the nationality and citizenship legislation passed during the current session of Parliament.

“From statements made by the Governments of the United Kingdom and other parts of the Commonwealth it will be noted that their policy is similar to our own.’’

LEGAL EFFECTS CLEAR Mr Nash said that although the legal effect of Eire’s action was clear, and she would cease to be a member of the Commonwealth, it would be a matter of utmost satisfaction throughout the Commonwealth that the Government of Eire confirmed and was anxious to maintain, the existence of the specially close relationship between Eire and the Commonwealth countries.

Not only were their relations based on kinship and community of interest between the countries of the Commonwealth and Eire but a further step was to be taken by the Irish Government to amend its law relating to nationality- to ensure, on a basis of reciprocity, that citizens of the countries of the Commonwealth will not be treated as foreigners in Eire. Mr Nash confirmed that Mr Fraser had attended the meetings at which Eire’s present step was discussed with Commonwealth Ministers.