IRELAND AND THE EMPIRE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18756, 12 July 1935, Page 5

IRELAND AND THE EMPIRE

ATTITUDE OF BRITAIN SECESSION OPPOSED VIEWS OF MINISTERS (Elec Tel. Copyright—United Tress Assn.) LONDON, July 11. In the House of Commons, Mr. J. H. Thomas, Secretary lor the Dominions; during the debate oil Irish affairs, said he had been asked to advise the House of the difference, between the Itree State and a republic. Mr. de Valera bad ciclined the difference in a recent speech, when he-alluded to llis Majesty as a “lorcign king.” Mr. Thomas added that he personally summarised Mr. de Valera’s views as follows: “First, we must Have a republic, but for certain external affairs we would be prepared to recognise your King.” “Mv own answer,” said Mr. Thomas, “was "that 1 did not believe any Government in Britain would dare to suggest that- the constitutional head should be used for one purpose and be nonexistent for others. The people ol Britain would not, tolerate that.’ The Minister said he did..not hesitate lo say that the Government would take every step it could lo prevent southern Ireland going from the British cornmon- ■ Wealth, however much it might be provoked. The Attorney-General, Sir Thomas Inskip, apparently alarmed by Mr. Thomas’ statement., hastened to explain that what Mr. Thomas liad in mind was not the “use of weapons of force but. chains of common interest and old association,” which would draw the countries closer together. The Minister added that the suggestion that Mr. de Valera can proclaim bis republic, and still remain within the British commonwealth of nations, is one which really cfbses the door to any accommodation. Britain will never cooperate with Mr. dc Valera in making foreigners of Irishmen.