OATH IN IRELAND

Southland Times, Issue 21659, 22 March 1932, Page 7

OATH IN IRELAND

PROPOSED ABOLITION MORE HARMFUL TO FREE STATE LONDON PRESS OPINION (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) London, March 20. Apropos of Mr Neville Chamberlain’s speech, the Morning Post reminds Ireland that it is a mistake to presume too far on the yielding nature of the British people whose concessions for the sake of peace have been regarded merely as signs of weakness. The Morning Post declares: “The Statute of Westminster, as we predicted when it was foolishly passed, encourages disruptive forces. Ireland’s interest, however, lies in a free British market which henceforth will be reserved for members of the Empire. The Irish Free State cannot have it both ways. If she repudiates her allegiance and obligations Britain will show a just and severe resentment. The Free State might then find to her bitter regret that a petty republic on the skirts of Europe is a poor exchange for citizenship in the Empire.” Mr do Valera, commenting on Mr Chamberlain’s Birmingham speech, says: “If bitterness and differences are revived, the fault will ifbt be with the Irish people.” The Belfast correspondent of The Tinies says that three armed men declaring themselves to be members of the Irish Republican Army motored to a bungalow near Glengormly occupied by Charles Newell, an ex-sergeant,-major of the Munster Fusiliers and a big game hunter, and stole five of his sporting guns. The raiders held Mr Newell and his wife at the revolver point while they searched the house. SITUATION GRAVE SPECIAL DISPLAYS ON MONDAY. (Rec. 7.5 p.m.) London, March 21. The Dublin correspondent of The Times says there will be special displays on Easter Monday, the anniversary of the rebellion of 1916. Nobody knows what will happen next, but the situation is grave. Perhaps Mr de Valera is the only man who does not recognize this, and is apparently persuading himself that Britain will not resent repudiation of the Anglo-Irish settlement. Other Irishmen realize that Britain cannot ignore Mr de Valera’s challenge. They await developments with profound anxiety. Many are concerned for Ireland's honour and all for her economic future. Mr Cosgrave’s supporters are unlikely to disclose their intentions before the Dail meets on April 24.