THREAT TO LEAVE EMPIRE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 19155, 11 April 1932, Page 7

THREAT TO LEAVE EMPIRE

WHAT DOES DE VALERA WISH? POLICY INTERPRETED BY BRITAIN United Press Association—By Electrlo Tel egraph—Copyright LONDON, April 8. Britain’s reply to Mr De Valera was despatched to-night. The “Sun” understands that while Britain is anxious to keep the door «»pen, the Note is couched in emphatic terms and virtually tells Mr De Valera that persistence in his attitude threatens the Free State leaving the Empire and automatically alienating Irish citizens throughout the world. The Cabinet unanimously agreed to reply to Mr De Valera’s reply to Britinitial despatch, which reaffirmed the Free State’s intention to abolish the oath, and repudiate the annuities. Mr De Valera is unwilling to compromise. He is preparing for the Free State’s complete independence, ranking nationals individually as foreigners. Mr De Valera Goes to Ottawa. Mr De Valera’s newspaper states that Mr De Valera will probably go to Ottawa. He is drafting replies to the Australian, New Zealand and South African Notes, which are likely to be despatched to-day. The Notes will be couched in a reciprocal, friendly spirit, explaining shortly and clearly that the Government does not desire to disturb friendships, but the oath is a domestic matter, and its removal is essential to the peace of Ireland. REPLY TO SOUTH AFRICA. INSISTENCE ON RIGHTS TO INDEPENDENCE. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, April 8. Mr De Valera acknowledged General Hertzog’s message, hoping that nothing would be done to disturb the IrishSouth African relations, also that goodwill and understanding should be maintained in the solution of the differences between Britain and Ireland. He repeated that Ireland refused to acknowledge that any country had a right to insist upon imposing a conscience test on members of the Dail. REPLY REGARDED AS REBUFF. RESENTMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA. United Press Association—By Electrle Telegraph —Copyright (Received April 10, 5.5 p.m.) CAPETOWN, April 9. Mr de Valera’s rebuff of General Hertzog is resented by all sections. IMPORTANCE OF THE OATH. BRITAIN'S REPLY TO MR DE VALERA. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received April 11, 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, April 10. The British note to Mr de Valera, it is understood, insists that the policy of the oath cannot be relaxed, as it is an integral part of the Imperial Constitution. Its abolition is not a matter solely between Britain and the Free State, but the whole British Commonwealth.