IRELAND'S FUTURE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22085, 15 April 1935, Page 11

IRELAND'S FUTURE

WILL OF PEOPLE SUGGESTED PLEBISCITE LEADER'S EXPLANATION FEELING FOR ENGLAND DENIAL OF HATRED By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received April 14, 7.5 p.m.) LONDON, April 13 In the course of an interview with a representative of the Weekly Dispatch in Dublin, Mr. de Yalera said : " My suggestion that a plebiscite be taken to see whether the people of Ireland desire independence was made on the spur of the moment in reply to an assertion in the Dail that hatred of England was the dominating influence in Irish politics. The Irish people neither hate their neighbours nor hate each other. " The allegation that T hate England is untrue," continued Mr. do Valcra. "I hate no nation. On the contrary my ambition is to see the nations peacefully co-operating. " My considered opinion is that a plebiscite would have to bo a genuinely free expression of the people's will throughout Ireland, on the understanding that the verdict would bo applicable to all Ireland." Questioned about the position if the verdict favoured an all-Ireland Dominion Mr. de Valcra replied that it would create an entirely new situation and abolish the complaint that the relationship between Ireland and England was forcefully maintained. " Our membership of the British commonwealth would then be voluntary," said Mr. de Yalera, " but a section of the people would still firmly believe that complete independence is the only status compatible with the national aspirations." Although Mr. de Valcra and his ministers believe a plebiscite would result in an overwhelming victory for Republicanism their opponents are of tho opinion that Britain would be wise to accept the challenge, as a plebiscite either in the Free State or throughout Ireland would show a majority for remaining in the Empire. In a fighting speech during the final stage of tho Citizenship Bill in the Senate, on April 3, Mr. de Valera denied that the 1921 treaty was a treaty of peace. He said it denied the rights for which the Irish people would be prepared to fight and die. " All we ask is that Britain shall cease to interfere," said Mr. de Valera. " There is a very simple test whether we are free or not. Let the island take a plebiscite as to whether the people at present are satisfied or whether they desire independence. " Britain has been asked repeatedly to accept this challenge, but she refuses. Let nobody doubt that ' British subject ' no longer is applicable to our citizens under the Irish law. It i"b equally as impertinent for Britain to regard Irishmen as British as for Japan to regard them as Japanese. " The bill lays the only foundation for friendship with Britain which Ireland wants just as she desires friendship with France or Germany, but particularly with Britain as she is closer to it." TWO ACTS SIGNED CITIZENSHIP AND ALIENS EMPIRE SUBJECTS EXEMPT (Received April 14, 6.35 p.m.) DUBLIN. April 18 The Citizenship and Aliens Acts were signed to-day. The Government simultaneously announced the exemption of subjects of the British Commonwealth of Nations from tho restrictions under the Aliens Act. IMPERIAL SPIRIT NORTHERN SECTION REPLY TO MR. DE VALERA LONDON. April 12 Replying to Mr. de Valera's contention in the Dail two days ago that a united Ireland eventually would enjoy independence, the Premier of Northern Ireland, Viscount Craigavon, speaking at Belfast, said: "Some British Government might possibly possess tho power to kick us out of Britain, but could never kick us out of the Empire or into a southern republic; nor w.oukl the great heart of tho British people over stand for such an action."