FUTURE OF IRISH

Taranaki Daily News, 15 April 1935, Page 5

FUTURE OF IRISH

TALK OF PLEBISCITE

DE VALERA’S CHALLENGE

ACCEPTANCE SUGGESTED

DENIAL OF ANY HATRED

VIEWPOINTS OF PARTIES

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Rec. 7.30 p.m. London, April 13. The suggestion of a plebiscite in Ireland was made on the spur of the moment in reply to an assertion that hatred of England was the dominating influence in Irish politics, said Mr. de Valera in an interview with the Dispatch. “The Irish neither hate their neighbours nor hate each other, continued Mr. de Valera. “The allegation that I hate England is untrue. I hate no. nation. On the contrary my ambition is to see the nations peacefully co-operating. My considered opinion is that a plebiscite would have to be a genuinely free expression of the people’s will throughout Ireland on the understanding that the verdict would be applicable to all Ireland.”

Mr. de Valera, questioned regarding the position if the verdict favoured an all-Ireland Dominion, replied that. it would create an entirely new situation abolishing the complaint that AngloIrish relationship was forcefully maintained. “Our membership of the British Commonwealth would then be voluntary,” he said, “but a section of the people would still firmly believe that complete independence was the only status compatible with the national aspirations.” Although Mr. de Valera and his Ministers believe a plebiscite would result in an overwhelming victory for republicanism opponents are of the opinion that Britain would be wise to accept the challenge as a plebiscite either in the Free State or throughout Ireland would show a majority for those wishing to remain in the Empire. Answering Mr. de Valera’s claim that the British Government could do away with the partition of Ireland, Lord Craigavon, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, in a speech at Belfast said: “Some British Government might possibly possess - the power to kick us out of Britain, but they can never kick us out of the Empire or into the southern republic, nor will the great heart of the British people ever stand for such an action.”

FIGHTING SPEECH RECALLED.

In a fighting speech during the final stages of the Irish Citizenship Bill in the Senate on April 3, Mr. de Valera denied that the 1921 Treaty was a treaty of peace. It denied rights for which the Irish would be prepared to fight and die. “All we ask is that Britain cease to interfere,” he said. “There is the simplest test of whether we are free or not. Let the island take a plebiscite whether it is at present satisfied! or desires independence. Britain has been repeatedly asked to accept the challenge but refuses.”

Mr. de Valera declared: “Let nobody doubt that ‘British subject’ is no longer applicable to our citizens under the Irish law. It is equally ’impertinent for Britain to regard Irishmen as British as it would be for Japan to regard them as Japanese. The Bill lays the only foundation for friendship with Britain which Ireland wants just as she desires friendship with France and Germany, but particularly with Britain, as she is closer.” Mr. de Valera demanded the return of Irish ports now in British possession. “We have repeatedly assured Britain that we are prepared to prevent the Irish coast being used as the base for a, foreign attack against England, but Britain does not accept the assurance,” he said. “So long as Britain holds any portion of Ireland against the will of the Irish, no matter on what plea, so long will the friendship we desire be prevented. Ireland has long fought forces stronger than herself, but the fight will continue until every inch of the country is controlled by a Government elected by the majority.”.