RIGHT OF CHOICE DEMANDED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19668, 9 December 1933, Page 17

RIGHT OF CHOICE DEMANDED

MR DE VALERA REPLIES TO BRITAIN STRONG CRITICISM OF LORDS’ DEBATE United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, December 7, Mr de Valera secured the profound attention of a crowded Senate, when, after an extensive deliverance, whereon the report of the Imperial Economic Consultation Committee was approved without division, Mr Connolly moved the approval of the report, which according to Mr Milroy, marked the complete incorporation of the imperial idea in Fianna Fail philosophy, signifying either a fresh stage in “the Rake’s progress,” or the evolution of a super-man. Ireland could not walk in the Commonwealth on one leg and walk out with the other, nor go in opposite directions simultaneously. Mr Douglas discounted Mr Milroy’s remarks, and asserted that the Free State's co-operation was purely voluntary. Mr Douglas considered that the Free State would be happier as a member of the Empire than otherwise, but every member had the right to secede if it desired. It would be foolish for Ireland to do so, but if the majority declared for a republic, all must be loyal thereto. Mr de Valera said the co-operation Indicated by the report was based on the absolute equality of the parties, and their freedom to enter or leave the alliance. Ireland, if such a step were advantageous, was prepared to co-operate oh similar lines with Denmark, Holland, France or any other country, but she was a free agent to co-operate or secede.

“The British Government ran away from my last despatch,” added Mr de Valera, “and baulked us every time the question was put straight to them. It is almost incomprehensive that a British Minister should speak as Lord Hailsham spoke. He was guilty of every type of interference with our constitutional development, to which the despatch referred. The people of the Free State would not tolerate it. Either he forgets the Statute of Westminster or would institute a fraud on the Dominions.”