IRISH BOUNDARY QUESTION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 14 August 1924, Page 5

IRISH BOUNDARY QUESTION

MR COSGRAVE AND SIR JAMES

CRAIG

(Bv Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.)

LONDON, August 13,

Mr Cosgrave, in the Dail, replying to Sir James Craig, said: “I met Sir James Craig frequently and he always maintained the same attitude. In his own words he will not budge an inch. Ho never budged an inch and never made any practical contribution towards a solutio'n. If his attitude is unchanged I can imagine no useful purpose will be served by meeting again. If he appoints his commissioner I am willing to do everything in my power to assist in a determination of‘the boundary in a man. ner fair and reasonable to all concerned. We never staked a claim to this piece of territory or that, but adhered to the principle that the wishes of the inhabitants prevail.” Mr Cosgrave stated in the Dail that, if the Bill was not passed the British Government as well would have to face a new situation. “While not anticipating such a situation, we are riot unprepared to make recommendations to prove we are reasonable people desiring to rive in peace with our neighbours.’: Mr Cosgrave, proposing the adjournment of tlie debate, said tlie House would he summoned earlier than Ist October it necessary. A Nationalist, Sean Milroy, objected to executive measures to get the Treaty enforced and urged that with a Bill before the British Commons they had to consider the possibility of a general election. Ireland might become the shuttlecock of British politicians. Mr Cosgrave, replying to a question, said he did not intend to proceed with the Bill until it passed the British Commons.

The Bill was read a first time by 60 to 10 votes.