REMOVAL OF THE OATH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21668, 11 June 1932, Page 11

REMOVAL OF THE OATH

THE FREE STATE BILL DRASTIC CHANGES BY SENATE A FAR-REACHING EFFECT (British Official Wireless.) (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) RUGBY, June 9. As the result of drastic changes in the Bill for the Removal of the Oath in the Senate the whole political situation in the Free State has undergone a considerable change. At the outset Mr de Valera was asked whether, in view of the discussions now proceeding with the British Government on the difficulties which had arisen regarding the negotiations in connection with the Ottawa Conference, further consideration of the Bill would be deferred. He replied that the Government’s attitude to the Oath Bill remained unchanged, and that the amendment to the effect that operation of the Bill be postponed until after an agreement was reached with Britain could not possibly be accepted. The debate accordingly proceeded. If the Dail rejects the amended Bill 18 months must elapse before the Bill can be reintroduced and passed, despite the Senate’s' opposition. Alternatively, Mr de Valera might decide to declare an immediate general election. The /newspapers think that the latter course l is unlikely. Mr de Valera is travelling to London to-night to resume discussions with the Ministers on the difficulty between the two countries in relation to negotiations in connection with the Ottawa Imperial Conference. Mr Thomas and a representative of the Prime Minister t will be among those who will meet him when he arrives at an early hour to-morrow. During the discussions he will ,be the luncheon guest of the Prime Minister at 10 Downing street. It is expected that he will return to Dublin in the evening. BRITAIN’S FAIRNESS. A STRIKING TRIBUTE. LONDON, June 9. Urging Mr de Valera not to waste time in hair-splitljjng or face-saving prolixities, Mr Cosgrave’s weekly, the United Irishman, says that nothing would do more to save his face and redeem his past than businesslil"' discussion with Britain, speedily resulting in an economic agreement which would be of benefit to the Irish farmers and industrialists. Mr de Valera would find, as Mr Cosgrave’s Government always found, that the British if met fairly would be reasonable, and even generous. MR DE VALERA IN LONDON. CHEERED BY LARGE CROWD. / LONDON, June 10. (Received June 11, at 1.15 a.m.) Cheers from a large crowd, mingled with some hooting, greeted Mr de Valera and his party on their arrival at Euston, where they were met by Mi Thomas and Mr Malcolm MacDonald. Afterwards they had breakfast together. Exceptional precautions were taken to guard the sleeping car in which the party remained for some hours after their arrival, a large squad of xailway police and Scotland Yard specials forming a cordon.