§ 53. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if, with a view to bringing the dispute with the Irish Free State to an issue, he will consider the advisability of trying to see if agreement could be reached on the composition of a mutually agreeable tribunal, having regard to the declaration made on both sides, with complete freedom of choice as regards nationality?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)The position of the Government in regard to arbitration of the financial dispute with the Irish Free State has been made fully clear on many occasions. While I am always ready to consider any suggestion, I doubt whether the suggestion which the hon. Member makes would be likely to assist materially in reaching a satisfactory settlement of the whole dispute.
§ Mr. LOGANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has appeared in the newspapers a statement by Mr. de Valera that he is most anxious to come to an agreement with the British Government, and, in view of that statement, which appears to be rather extraordinary, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it an opportune moment for him to make an approach?
§ Mr. McGOVERNMay I ask if he also saw the statement made in the Dail that they were prepared to accept the hon. Member for Bridgeton (Mr. Maxton) as a person to decide the issue provided it was acceptable to the British Government?
Mr. THOMASI am quite sure that the Irish Free State have as high an opinion of the hon. Member for Bridgeton (Mr. Maxton) as I have, but they have not put it to that test.
§ Mr. HEALYHas not the whole trouble arisen over the hon. Gentleman's decision to limit the free choice of a tribunal?
Mr. THOMASOn the contrary. The hon. Member must be aware that, apart entirely from the financial issue, there are political issues, and the position of the British Government is that they want the Treaty observed just as they themselves always observe it.