IRELAND'S PLIGHT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21280, 6 September 1932, Page 9

IRELAND'S PLIGHT

NEARLY BANKRUPT CONFLICT WITH BRITAIN EX-MINISTERS' PLEA NEED FOR SETTLEMENT CABINET HOPES TO WIN By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright (Received September 5, 7.5 p.m.) DUBLIN, Sept. 5 The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. James Ryan, told a gathering at Cashel that the Irish Free State Government was in a strong position and had no doubt about winning in the dispute with Britain, in spite of the people's present sufferings. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. W, T. Cosgrave, speaking at Trim, declared that Irish agriculture never was in such a position as at present. Nothing done by William of Orange and Mary, by Queen Elizabeth or by Cromwell had struck such a blow at Ireland, economically, as the actions of the present Government. " Britain wishes to live at peace with us," said Mr. Cosgrave. " This conflict should be brought to an end." Mr. P. J. Hogan, formerly Minister of Agriculture, said the Free State was very near bankruptcy. He believed there was more real political and economic independence for the Free State within the Empire than outside it.

LAND ANNUITIES RETENTION DENOUNCED DENIAL OF LEGAL RIGHT British Wireless RUGBY, Sept. 4 Mr. Desmond Fitzgerald, who was Minister of Defence in the late Cabinet of the Irish Free State, strongly criticised Mr. de Valera's attitude toward the land annuities in a speech on Friday evening. Mr. Fitzgerald said the late Government had consistently urged negotiation with Britain, realising that the Free State had not a legal case for the retention of Hie annuities. Hitherto Mr. de Valera's argument had been that there was a legal right for their retention. If that argument were sound the Free State should endeavour to have the matter tried by judicial tribunal. The Government, however, was now showing a preference for negotiations, and the only reason which could justify such an attitude was that it was satisfied there was no legal case. If that were so, the Irish people had a right to know it.