NEED OF PEACE

Southland Times, Issue 21832, 8 October 1932, Page 5

NEED OF PEACE

ANGLO-IRISH DISPUTE CATTLE TRADE FEELING EFFECTS TARIFF TRUCE URGED (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 7.0 p.m.) London, October 7. The Dublin correspondent of The Times says that the need of immediate peace is urgent. Cattlemen say that the Free State’s export bounty of 12J per cent, has not assisted the trade. Business is slacker than last week. The British have found new sources of supply and are not likely to readily return to the Free State. Something may be saved from the wreck if there is an early settlement, but a tariff truce is necessary to enable fanners to capture the British Christmas trade. It is understood Mr de Valera will be the principal Free State delegate to next week’s formal negotiations, and on the British side it is anticipated that the Prime Minister, who is due to return from Scotland in a few days, will take a direct part in the discussions. Other British Ministers in addition to Mr J. H. Thomas will participate.

While the negotiations are in progress the duties imposed by Britain on imports from the Free State and the counter duties placed by the Free State on British imports will remain in force. Overdue land annuities, which represent some £2,960,000 of the total sum of £5,000,000, which is the amount in dispute, are now stated to be held in a suspense account in Dublin. Both the Free State Dail and the British House of Commons are due to reassemble on October 18, and if the negotiations result in an agreement it is understood it will be placed without delay before both Parliaments for ratification. MR DE VALERA POLICY SUDDENLY REVERSED. (Rec. 9.55 p.m.) London, October 7. The Dublin correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says that Mr de Valera’s sudden reversal of policy is due to a fear that the Free State will suffer a complete collapse owing to the effect of the British duties, which have brought the Irish export trade to a standstill. Negotiations for a settlement will be devoted less to the legal problems of the annuities than to the ability of Ireland to pay them. 'Die Irish negotiators believe that the British negotiators are eager for a restoration of normal trade, and will not be unsympathetic to the Free State’s appeal on this point. It is expected that Mr MacDonald will take part in the negotiations. After the conference has arrived at some understanding regarding the lines on which the negotiations are to proceed, it may be adjourned until the British and Free State Parliaments meet on October 18.