§ 57. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether it is the intention of the Government to enter into consultation with the Dominions on the subject of the position that has arisen in connection with the attitude taken up by the Government of the Irish Free State?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)The present issues between this country and the Irish Free State arise out of the interpretation of the Treaty of 1921 and other agreements forming part of the settlement then reached between the two countries.
§ Mr. MANDERIs not this a matter which in some sense affects the whole of the British Commonwealth of Nations, and will he not at some stage consider the question of a joint consultation between all members?
Mr. THOMASThe difference at the moment is a difference between two parties to an agreement. One of them has repudiated it. I have nothing more to add.
§ Mr. MAXTONWhile the right hon. Gentleman makes it a matter between this country and the Irish Free State, have not all the other Dominions interfered in this matter by sending messages to the Irish Free State on the subject?
§ Mr. MAXTONIs it not the fact that other Dominions have already taken a say in the matter?
Mr. THOMASOccasions arise, and I remember some, in which my hon. Friend has felt that on a certain issue his views ought to be known.
§ Mr. MAXTONIs it also the case that I have felt very much offended when my views have been ignored, as the Dominions may be?
Mr. THOMASI am quite sure that it would be with extreme reluctance that any hon. Member of this House, and least of all myself, would willingly ignore anything that my hon. Friend says.