“DOOR SLAMMED IN FACE”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19958, 16 November 1934, Page 9

“DOOR SLAMMED IN FACE”

IRISH FREE STATE ISSUE RAISED

OUTBURSTS OF FIERCE CRITICISM United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright LONDON, November 14. Mr John Hartman Morgan, addressing the Irish Loyalists’ Federation, said: “Mr de Valera, within a few months will be able to declare the Free State an Independent Republic. The British Government is dangerously reticent. Mr J. H. Thomas repeats that the door is still open, despite the fact that Mr de Valera is repeatedly slamming the door in his face. Mr de Valera can, and will, slam the door finally, making the Free State a Republic in law and fact. The Free State legislature has abolished four of the most important clauses in the Anglo-Irish, which safeguarded the Imperial connection.” “I am informed that German steamers are secretly unloading cargoes in Irish ports,” added Mr Morgan. “I leave you to guess the contents.” Germany “ First.’ Mr Morgan said that Germany would be the first to recognise an Irish Republic. “We may find the Free State placed at Germany’s disposal as an air base against England,” he continued. “Recognition by a foreign Power is the only requirement to complete the Free State’s independence of Britain. We could not interpret it as an unfriendly act owing to our own continued silence.” “Cowardly Inaction.” Lord Carson sent a message referring to the British Governments “cowardly inaction” regarding the South Ireland loyalists. He said that the Free State was now degrading Irishmen by declaring that they were no longer subjects of the King. The meeting passed a resolution drawing the attention of the Government to the anxiety of the loyal Irish throughout the Empire as a result of the Citizenship Bill. London Press Comment. “The Daily Telegraph” commenting on Mr Morgan’s statement, says: “The material benefits of Imperial connection are the real obstacle to the declaration of Irish independence. They are keeping the Free State within the Empire, and their force will not be weakened by any use the Irish Parliament may make of the provisions of the Statute of Westminster.” RETICENCE IN DUBLIN STATEMENT BY MR DE VALERO United Pres 9 Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copvrlght (Received November 15, 10.50 p.m. DUBLIN, November 15. Mr E. De Valera refused to comment on Mr Morgan’s statement in London until he had studied the full text. He added that he would be very glad to learn from Mr Morgan where the mysterious German cargoes were being landed. Mr A. Maguire, the Attorney-General and Mr P. J. Ruttledge, Minister of Justice, declared that they had no knowledge of any such landings.