IRISH FREE STATE.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18642, 21 May 1932, Page 6

IRISH FREE STATE.

MR THOMAS EMPHATIC.

BRITAIN’S POSITION CLEAR. SANCTITY OP AGREEMENT. United Press Assn.—Klee. Tel. Copyright. (Received May 21, 12.35 p.m.) LONDON, May 20. . Speaking at the Brighton Empire Shopping Week, Mr J. H. Thomas (Secretary of Stale for the Dominions ), referring to the Irish Free State, said he did not want to speak on a controversial theme, but it was essential to make the British position clear. The hope and belief that the Irish Fiee State Treaty would open up a new era after a long period of bitterness had been justified, and the last de cade had witnessed a marked improvement in the political relations, with growing friendship and understanding. The Free State had become an equal member of liie British Commonweal L of Nations, and its representatives had been in the forefront of the constitutional development which had resulted lu the establishment of a group of nations on a footing of complete equality. “If all that work is wasted,” said Mr Thomas, “ it will not be our fault or wish, I stand by every word of my recent utterances regarding the relations with the Free State.

“ Basing our posiiion simply on the sanctity of treaties and the maintenance of agreements, how could we negotiate fresh agreements with the Free State if the existing ones are not observed? Could we suppose greater sanctity would be attached to a treaty made at Ottawa than at London?”

FREE STATE CONTENTION.

INVITATION TO OTTAWA.

STILL HOLDS GOOD. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) (Received May 21, 12.35 p.m.) LONDON, May 20. The Irish Free State announces that the acceptance of the invitation to the Ottawa Conference still holds good. The Government will be prepared to commence a discussion with other Governments when its conference preparations are sufficiently advanced.