§ 23. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can give the House any information as to the present situation in Ireland, more particularly in connection 936 with the Treaty and his continued responsibility for our relations with Southern Ireland?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)No, Sir. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom regard the relations between this country and the Irish Free State as resting upon the Treaty of 1921. This was made abundantly clear in the Debates on the Statute of Westminster, and the position has not altered since.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that our association with Southern Ireland is becoming as distasteful to the English as it is, apparently, to the people of Southern Ireland?
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. de Valera holds entirely different views with regard to the Treaty and the Statute of Westminster from those of Mr. Cosgrave, on which the Statute of Westminster was forced down the throat of this House?
Mr. THOMASI hope nothing will be said that is calculated to embitter the situation. I have indicated clearly and definitely that the Government's position in this matter is based upon the Treaty. There are many people in Ireland who have risked their lives for that Treaty. We have acted honourably in regard to it up to the present, and we shall continue to do so. That is our attitude.
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe really cannot debate every question that is asked.