EMPIRE AND FREE STATE

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19545, 6 April 1935, Page 6

EMPIRE AND FREE STATE

An astrologist in a broadcast in Britain, predicting notable events during the current year of grace, declared that “ one might think that India is the next great Empire problem. Not so, the Irish situation will become far more urgent and important.” Whilst it would be ludicrous to place much faith in such predictions, it would seem that things are heading in the direction the astrologist has foreoast.

Mr De Valera is persisting with his Citizenship Bill, which cannot but have far-reaching effects, and he will not recognise allegiance to the British Empire in any shape or form. He avers that he is anxious for friendly relations, but it is that species of friendship observable between foreign countries; there are to be no tangible ties. Each party is to be at liberty to steer its own course at will. The Free Staters are in no sense to come under the category of British subjects. This is a straight-out declaration. Its meaning cannot be mistaken.

Captain Macnamara, one of the Conservative Party’s youngest politicians, recently undertook a mission to the Free State, and he had an interview with Mr De Valera. Ho thinks there are some things outstanding between the two countries which, with the exercise of tact, could be easily overcome, and the gap greatly narrowed, but there, arc others not so simple of adjustment, and one of the most thorny is that of the establishment of a republic, which is ■ the Free State President’s pet ambition. It is useless to point out that under the present order the Free State has all possible freedom, Mr Do Valera and his associates will strain at the gnat. Mr Macnamara considers it possible that an agreement might be reached if Britain were to permit the Free State to declare itself a republic and elect its oAvn President, but permitting that President, by some outward and visible act, to acknowledge allegiance to the King. In view of Mr De Valera’s declaration it would appear that Mr Macnamara is over optimistic, but there is wisdom in his suggestion that an intermediary endowed with tcj.ct, and who understands the psychology of the two peoples (who really admire each "other) might evolve a scheme by which they may consent to live side by side with mutual advantage.

The present pitiable state of affairs, if persisted in, can result in nothing but harm. Both countries would benefit if they would consent to compose their differences. The olive branch has been repeatedly proffered. Prejudice and obstinacy only preclude its acceptance.