BRITAIN’S REPLY TO FREE STATE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19231, 11 July 1932, Page 9

BRITAIN’S REPLY TO FREE STATE

FINAL STAGE OF FISCAL MEASURE MR THOMAS’S INVITATION TO MR DE VALERA British Official Wireless RUGBY, July 8. The final stage of the Irish Free State Special Duties Bill was taken in the House of Commons to-day, when the third reading was passed by 222 to 30. Immediately afterwards the House of Lords gave the measure the formal first reading, so that it may be placed on the Statute Book without delay. . Opposition Objection. During the third reading debate, Opposition speakers moved its rejection, declaring that both sides having accepted the principle of arbitration, negotiations should be further continued. Hopes were also expressed that the measure would be brought into use only as a last resource, and that the conference should be given an opportunity of adjusting the matter. Mr Thomas said before asking the House to pass the Bill, the Government satisfied themselves that they had exhausted every means of reaching a settlement. He recalled the decision of the Imperial Conference in support of arbitration being limited to an Empire Court, and said although the payments were governed by Treaties, the Government was prepared to submit the question for arbitration by such a tribunal. Sir James Reynolds, discussing the special Irish Duties Bill, pleaded for withholding the Bill pending a strenuous effort at Ottawa to reach an agreement. “Bill is Not Bluff.” Mr Thomas replied: “It is an affair between Britain and Ireland. We must avoid dragging the other Dominions into the dispute. The Bill is not bluff. The Government is still ready to accept a tribunal, and not use the Bill. This was an opportunity for Mr de Valera to show real statesmanship and reveal that he possesses the confidence of the British Commonwealth.”