N.Z. To Maintain Close Relations With Eire

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 November 1948, Page 4

N.Z. To Maintain Close Relations With Eire

WELLINGTON, Last Night (PA). —“lt is the firm desire of the New Zealand Government that the close friendly relations between New Zealand and Ireland, whose people have made such outstanding contribution to the development not only of New Zealand but other countries of the Commonwealth, should be maintained and strengthened in every possible way,” said the Acting-Prime Minister (Mr. Nash) today. “Our position in New Zealand is established already. Irish citizens here will enjoy the same status as previously, a status which is defined and protected by the nationality and citizenship legislation passed during the current session of Parliament. “From statements made by the Governments of the United Kingdom and other parts of the Commonwealth, it will be noted that their policy is similar to our own. “The legal effect of the Repeal Bill is clear and Ireland will, when it becomes law. cease to be a member of the Commonwealth, though New Zealand will not regard Ireland as a foreign country,” said Mr. Nash. “It will be a matter of utmost satisfaction throughout the Commonwealth, however, that the Government of Ireland confirms and is anxious to maintain the existence of specially close relationship between Ireland and Commonwealth countries,” continued Mr. Nash “Not only are their relations based on kinship and community interest between the countries of the Commonwealth and Eire, but a further step is to he taken by the Irish Government to amend its law relating to nationality to ensure, on a basis of reciprocity,, that citizens of the countries of the Commonwealth will not be treated as foreigners in Eire. Mr. Nash confirmed that Mr. Fraser had attended meetings at which Eire’s present step was discussed with Commonwealth Ministers. •