BOUND FOR GENEVA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21292, 20 September 1932, Page 9

BOUND FOR GENEVA

IRISH DELEGATION

PASSING THROUGH LONDON NO NEGOTIATIONS LIKELY By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received September 19, 7.15 p.m.) ' LONDON. Sept. 19 Mr. de Valera and the other members of the Irish Free State delegation to Geneva reached Holyhead at midnight and are due at Euston at 6 a.m. Mr. de Yalera stated that he did not anticipate meeting the Dominions Secretary, Mr. J. H. Thomas, in London. IRELAND'S LOST TRADE WHAT RETURNS SHOW WARNING TO CIVIL SERVANTS LONDON. Sept. 18 Trade returns indicate that the largest single item of decline in imported foodstuffs is Irish livestock, suggesting that the Treasury has not much hope of raising the amount due from the Irish Free State for land annuities out of duties. Exports to (he Free State have only slightly diminished, indicating that the British blockade is more effective than the Irish. Mr. de Valera clearly will have considerable difficulty in making the Free State independent of Britain. Mr. Sean MacEntee, Free State Minister of Finance, speaking af Cavan, said the Government hitherto had been pacific and placatory, but was dropping that attitude. Criticising public servants who were " unashamed " protagonists of the British cause, he said: "The Government is ending that. Any-further manifestation of treason wjll be dealt with speedily and promptly."

ECONOMIC CHAOS

BAD PLIGHT OF FARMERS

CRITICAL MONTH COMING

LONDON, Sept, 16

The shopkeepers in Ireland are carrying the farmeis, and the banks are carrying the shopkeepers. What will happen in October, when it becomes clear that the farmers cannot pay ? Everybody is asking the question, reports a special correspondent, of the Manchester Guardian, after a tour oG the country districts of Ireland. It is felt' thatthe financial system of the country may be shaken to its foundation shortly.

The strength of the Irish Republican j Army in the country, says the correspondent. is below the estimates formed in Dublin. Communist influence is strong in the higher 'command. The rank and file, consist mainly of youths below 25, sons of agricultural labourers and small farmers, with ideas about redistribution of land and repudiation of debts to shopkeepers and banks. Also the lads are attracted by the love. of. excitement and the thrill of secret. drilling. The economic situation is becoming increasingly serious. Farmers are holding their cattle in the hope of a settlement of the dispute with England, but they cannot hold them beyond October. Mr. de Valera's tactics have compelled Mr. Cosgrave's followers, property owners and workers to side with England, not because they love England, but because they feel that Mr. de Valera, by unnecessary controversies, is seeking to win enough popularity and money to - enable him to accomplish an economic revolution in the Free State. There is no evidence to show that Mr. de Valera has the knowledge, patience and tact required for the creation of a new economic system. If he faces the threatened collapse he is hardly likely to come through with credit. Mr. Cosgrave's followers contend that there is no hope for. Ireland unless and until the small farmers and labourers have been taught by bitter experience that Mr. de Valera is a delusive will-o'-the-wisp, and not art archangel sent from Heaven to lead them into a land flowing with j milk and honey.