HC Deb 24 January 1949 vol 460 c561
52. Professor Savory

asked the Prime Minister whether, before recognising the Irish Republic, he will demand, as a preliminary condition, that the Government of Eire confirm the Tripartite Agreement of 1925 made on the initiative of the Irish Free State, and ratified by overwhelming majorities of the two Houses of Parliament sitting in Dublin, whereby the existing boundary between Northern Ireland and the rest of Ireland was guaranteed.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir.

Professor Savory

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that he is not going to connive with the Government of Eire in the repudiation of this most solemn tripartite agreement under which they undertook to guarantee the existing boundary between Northern Ireland and the rest of Ireland, especially as one of the clauses of that agreement released them from a liability of £155 million? Surely, the right hon. Gentleman is not, like the Chancellor of the Exchequer, bent on liquidating the British Empire?

The Prime Minister

I made the position of His Majesty's Government on this subject perfectly clear in the statement I made in the House on 25th November.

Professor Savory

But not with regard to the repudiation of this agreement.

Sir Ronald Ross

Is it the right hon. Gentleman's opinion that this agreement is still in full force and effect, and that the pledge given by this political communique on Eire is still binding on them?

The Prime Minister

That is another matter.