ONLY ISSUE WORTH FIGHTING FOR

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19669, 11 December 1933, Page 7

ONLY ISSUE WORTH FIGHTING FOR

APPEAL FOR UNITY IN IRELAND STRONG CRITICISM OF REPUBLICANISM United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 10. 6.30 p.m.) LONDON. December 9. Mr Frank McDermot (Leader of the Farmers' Party) said he fails to understand why people once willing to imperil the country for the sake of the Republic are now fussing after Britain for a promise that she will behave sweetly if the Republic is declared. Mr McDermot adds; “It is possible that a frantic effort is being made to convince the Republican Army that the Government is really doing something. If I were a Republican, I would seek an election next summer, when the days are long and intimidation difficult, and take a verdict whether to remain in the Empire. I would rather be outside than inside without cordiality and good faith. The present situation is fatal to Ireland’s prosperity and morale. The reunion of Ireland is the only issue worth fighting for, but it cannot be achieved until Republicanism is driven out of the system. which is possible only with Mr de Valera's co-operation. Ireland, when the people get a chance, would take the direct route to union and equal partnership in the Empire.” ARREST OF LEADING BLUE SHIRT. STRONG CRITICISM OF ACTION OF GOVERNMENT. ,cii Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 10, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 9 The Civic Guards at Bundoran. arrested M. Cronin, still wearing a Blue Shirt, and detained him pending instructions from Dublin. General O'Duffy declares that this is the Government's first step to persecute Irish youth in order to prevent political opposition. True to his promise General O'Duffy wore a Blue Shirt when telling the Glentie audience that its Government had proclaimed the hostility of half the Irish race. Mr W. T. Cosgrave and Mr Dillon were enthusiastically received at Ballybofey, where many Blue Shirts and blouses were worn. Interference with the electric supply darkened half the town, while Mr Cosgrave was speaking. The police seized the Young Ireland Association's offices in Stephens’ Green, the Blue Shirt headquarters In Merrion Square, Dublin, and forbade the printers to print further party literature. The Blue Shirts are taking legal action against the police. Three arrests were made at Clonmel, on charges of being in illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. PLEA FOR FRIENLY CO-OPERA-TION. MR THOMASS GRAVE WARNING. British Official Wireless RUGBY, December 8, In a speech at Retford, Mr J. H. Thomas referred to the relations with the Irish Free State. He said long range speaking would not effect a settlement of this unfortunate dispute. Mr McEntee, speaking as a responsible Free State Minister, had recently said that the Irish people wanted friendly co-operation. "We, too, want friendly cooperation. If I were tempted to make a warning, it would be such that the Irish F’ree State people would realise how this economic strife is gradually accustoming the pepole of this country to the present conditions, and there is a very real danger of permanent markets being lost. People become accustomed to changed circumstances, and adapt themselves accordingly. I am not unmindful that that can be as truly said about the Irish Free State with regard to our trade. Surely these facts of themselves show the danger of prolonging this dispute. Trade, commerce and trade unionism, yes, national honour, all are involved In the principle of the sanctity of agreements. That is simple, and I ask Mr de Valera to believe me when I say the British Government have not, and will not close the door to an honourable. lasting peace, which recognises this fundamental principle.”