DUBLIN DISCUSSIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21667, 10 June 1932, Page 9

DUBLIN DISCUSSIONS

BRITAIN AND FREE STATE MERELY A PRELIMINARY CONTINUATION IN LONDON (British Official Wireless.) (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) RUGBY, June 8. At to-day’s Cabinet meeting Mr J. H. Thomas and Lord Hailsham reported that their discussions with Mr de Valera and the Irish Free State Ministers yesterdaj were of a preliminary character, and that, the conversations would be continued on Friday, when Mr dc Valera will visit London for the purpose. It is under stood that the Prime Minister will participate in Friday’s discussions. BIG GULF TO BE BRIDGED. LONDON, June 8. The Sun’s correspondent learns that nothing more tangible than contact with the friendliest relations has so far resulted from the Thomas-de Valera conversations. There is no foundation either for reports of a deadlock or for high hopes. The delegates put the case frankly and lengthily, but the conversations were only a preliminary. Neither side a' tempted to commit itself. A big gulf clearly remains to be bridged, and a compromise will be very difficult. INCORPORATION OF ULSTER. OPPOSITION IN THE NORTH. LONDON, June 8. The Central News Agency says that Mr de Valera’s reported suggestion of the incorporation of Ulster into the Free State finds no favour in Northern Ireland. The Government of Ulster and the majority of the people arc absolutely opposed to the suggestion. ULSTER NOT FOR SALE. LONDON, June 9. (Received June 9, at 10 p.m.) “It is impossible to treat seriously Mr de Valera’s suggestion to barter for the inclusion of Ulster,” declared Lord Carson in an interview. “She is not now, and never has been, for sale on any terms. If any such proposal was made it demonstrates the hollowness of the negotiations with Mr de Valera.” Lord Craigavon similarly insisted that there was no change in Ulster’s determination to remain an integral part of the United Kingdom. This determination had been strengthened by the passing of the years. “I cannot conceive Ulster changing her view at any time,” said Lord Craigavon. OATH ABOLITION BILL. MR DE VALERA AGAINST DELAY. DUBLIN, June 8. Mr de Valera informed the Senate that the Free State Government had not changed its attitude towards the oath and saw no reason why the Senate should not continue its discussion on the Abolition Bill. He added that he could not accept the amendment suggesting, that the Bill should not come into force until th; Anglo-Irish Governments had reached an agreement. BILL BEFORE THE SENATE. TECHNICAL NULLIFICATION. DUBLIN, June 8. The Senate, by 30 votes to 22, defeated section 2 of the Oath Bill, which repeals section 2 of the Constitution Act, whereby the treaty is made superior to the Constitution and any legislation repugnant to the treaty null and voii. It also rejected by 31 votes to 20 section 3, which amends article 50 of the Constitution by deleting reference to t‘,e treaty. Mr Milroy’s amendment proposing that tfye Bill should not come into force until the Anglo-Irish Governments had reach -d an agreement was carried by 33 votes to 22. The Bill passed the committee stage. The Senate’s amendments amount to a technical nullification of the Bill and involve a probable deadlock, holding up the Bill for 18 months.