§ 8. Mr. LEWISasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he has any further statement to make on the subject of our relations with the Irish Free State?
Mr. J. H. THOMASI have no further statement to make except that the position still remains that the United Kingdom Government are desirous of a friendly settlement provided that it proceeds on the basis of the acceptance of the validity of existing obligations.
§ Mr. LEWISAre we to understand that the Government of the Irish Free State have not yet shown sufficient confidence in the justice of their case to be willing to submit the matter in dispute to the arbitrament of an Empire tribunal?
§ Mr. LUNNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has been a general election and that the people of the Irish Free State have expressed their confidence in Mr. de Valera and, in view of the strong desire for a settlement, both in Ireland and in this country, will he not initiate negotiations with the new Government?
Mr. THOMASThe hon. Gentleman has given notice of a question, and I assumed that he would wait for a reply.
§ Mr. LUNNI shall not be entitled to put my Private Notice Question in view of the question that has been put.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Gentleman did send me notice of that question. I saw there was one of a similar kind on the Paper, so I could not allow him to put it.
Mr. THOMASThat being so, out of courtesy to the hon. Gentleman, I will say that the position of the Government is that honourable obligations have been entered into between two parties, and we believe that they should be the basis of any future negotiations. I have never hesitated to say that we are ready to enter into negotiations, but it must be on the basis that, having made an agreement, they must keep their agreement.
§ Mr. MAXTONIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the results of the policy of the Government up to now?