RELATIONS WITH IRELAND

Taranaki Daily News, 24 May 1932, Page 5

RELATIONS WITH IRELAND

THE ATTITUDE OK BRITAIN DESIRE FOR COMMON GOOD LINK WITH COMMONWEALTH STATEMENT BY MR. THOMAS By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Rugby, May 21. An important statement on relations with the Irish Free State was made in a speech by Mr. J. H. Thomas, Dominion Secretary, at Hove. He emphasised his desire to avoid speaking in a controversial spirit, but said he felt that it was due to the people of Ireland and of Britain that the position should be absolutely clear. After asking how they could suppose that greater sanctity would be attached to an agreement made in Ottawa than to one which had been made in London, Mr. Thomas added: “What other attitude can we adopt? We have no choice.

“But are the relations between the two countries to be on such a footing? Mr. Thomas asked. “I cannot believe it. The Government and the people of this country wish well towards the Irish Free State. We wish to see its people happy and prosperous, and we believe that prosperity for the Free State is bound up with the prosperity of Britain and that it is in the best interests of both countries that they should remain linked together within the British Commonwealth.

“It is in that spirit that we approach the difficulties, fully conscious of all that is involved, but genuinely anxious to prove to our fellow citizens in the Irislh Free State that it is to the future and not the past that all men of goodwill must bend their energies in this effort towards peace and contentment of the Free State people. Can I hope that they will play their part?”-