§ 47. Sir Ronald Rossasked the Prime Minister whether the claim of the Government of the Irish Free State to be a republic as regards internal affairs and a Dominion as regards external affairs is recognised by His Majesty's Government?
§ The Prime MinisterThe question of the effect of the recent Irish Free State legislation on that country's relations to the British Commonwealth of Nations is now under examination, and until the examination is complete no statement can be made on the matter.
§ 55. Sir R. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his conversations with Mr. de Valera covered matters affecting the interests of Northern Ireland; and, if so, whether he has consulted the Government of Northern Ireland thereon.
§ The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)In the course of our recent conversations Mr. de Valera urged strongly that steps should be taken towards the establishment of a United Ireland. No scheme was, however, put forward, and the matter was not discussed further. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mr. LoganIs it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to issue a White Paper in regard to these conversations, so that the House may know what happened?
§ Mr. MacDonaldI am afraid that a White Paper would not add much to the information I have given to the House at this moment.