IRISH FREE STATE

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19125, 9 December 1933, Page 5

IRISH FREE STATE

ILLEGAL ORGANISATION BLUE SHIRTS BANNED. STEP RAISES AN UPROAR. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received Dec. 9, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 8. The Free State Administration has banned as an Illegal organisation tho Blue Shirts, the leader of which is General O’Duffy. The United Ireland Party officially states that the banning of the Blue Shirts is a monstrous illegality and political persecution. It is almost incredible that the Government is so blinded by political hatred as to ban a body whose every activity is honest, while it has allowed every variety of Communist activity throughout the country.

CONSULTATION WITH DOMINIONS. NOT CONSIDERED PROBABLE. ONLY A LAST RESORT. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received Dec. 9, 10.55 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 8. It is understood that any suggestion of calling the Dominions into consultation on the question of the Irish Free State’s future relations with the remainder of the Empire may for the present b,e disregarded. fi’he British Government is likely to adopt this •course only as a last resort, while most of the Dominions will probably be reluctant to embroil themselves with Ireland until It is absolutely necessary to deal with her future, if It is to be outside the Etapire.

MR THOMAS’ OVERTURES. DOOR STILL OPEN. (Official Wireless.) (Received Deo. 9, 12.45 p.m.) RUGBY, Deo. 8. In a speech at 'Retford, Mr J. H. Thomas, Secretary- of State for the Dominions, referred to the relations with the Irish Free State. He said: “ Long range speaking will not effect a settlement of this unfortunate dispute.” Mr Sean MoEntee, speaking as a responsible Free State Minister, had recently said that the Irish Free State people would realise how this economic strife Is gradually accustoming the people of this country to the present conditions, and there is a very real danger of permanent markets being lost as the people of Britain become accustomed to changed circumstances and adapt themselves accordingly.

“ I am not unmindful,” said Mr Thomas, “that that can be as truly said about the Irish Free State with regard to our trade. Surely these facts themselves show the danger of prolonging this dispute.”

“ Trade, commerce,, trade unionism —.yes, and national honour, all are involved in the principle of sanctity of agreements. That is simple. N

“ I ask Mr De Valera to believe me when I say that the British Government have not, and will not, close the door to an honourable lasting peace, which recognises this as a fundamental principle.”