duly The British Government, firmly. bent on keeping Ireland's word in regard to the Land Annuitiei in spite of De Valeration, des to be neither vindictive nor pernickety. So the import duties on Irish goods will be adjusted severely to the arithmetical needs of the situation and Mr. de Valera's request for an Jarbitration tribunal is given the most, generous consideration, Mr. ide Valera, determined to adhere to his plan for burdening Trish trade, is casting wildly about for 4 [specious schemes which can be presented to the Irish voter in reassuring guise. A trade commission has been sent to the United States of America. Unnamed Dominions have been approached. Negotiations have been opened with France and Germany, This is all designed to hold out hopes of increased exports, which will enable Ire land to be independent of the country just across the St. George's Channel. Of course there cannot be the slightest objection to Mr. de Vatera's exploring the possibilities of improving Irish trade relations with any country, even if he wishes to leave Great Britain out of account.
The question arises whether hho will be able to convince the irish trader, in the long run, that the price is worth paying. That he is uncomfortably hazy on the whole issue, may be gathered from the amusing announcement that the ineffable Mr. V. J. Patel, formerly success sor to Sir Frederick Whyte as President of the Indian Legislative Assembly, is proposing to discuss the extension of India's trade relations with Ireland. Perhaps this is only Mr. Patel's idea. Even Mr. de Valera must know that Mr. Patel has been a legislator, is a lawyer by profes-n and an agitator by instinct. These qualities may appeal to the Irish President but he can hardly blink the fact that Mr, Patel is not a businessman and has not, the slightest authority to speak on behalf of Indian commerce or the Department of Commerce and Industries of the Government of India, India has fiscal autonomy in the sense that where the Indian Legislature jand the Government of India are in agreement on fiscal measures, ithe Secretary of State and there: fore the British Government will not normally dissent. But Mr. Patel is' not mentioned in this Let Mr. de Valera ask Mr.
fave about Mr. Patel's last visit to Dublin, Mr, Patel was
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.