The question of defence, it is pointed out, is not a question of paper bargains, but of each country acting in its own interests, which are joint interests.
As a result of the transfer to Eire of coast defence stations, which the United Kingdom is unconditionally evacuating, Eire will formulate her own defence policy, though there will possibly be some consultation or ce-ordination with Great Britain.
Irish circles regard the friendly interest of the United States as an important factor in making the agreement possible, They pay tribute to Mr. Neville Chamberlain, without whose help no greement could have been made, and to- Mr, Malcolm MacDonald.
Secretary of State for the Dominions, without whom the negotiations could never have been begu Terms of Agreement The Agreement shows that a complete financial settlement has been reached. It also provides for the transfer to Eire of coast defence stations, which the United Kingdom New Era of Confidence de Valera, Mr, Macdonald, and their colleagues." declares the "News-Chronicle," "deserve the warmest congratulations—the genuine friendship of the whole country is worth far more than the barren right to occupy a few ports surrounded by possible unfriendly territory. We have only one regret—that obstinacy on both sides postponed the agreement for six y "The Times" "The agreements signed yesterday mark the beginning of a new era of confidence and appeasement in Anglo-Irish relations, Whatever criticisms may be Fire will pay 10,000,000 to the United Kingdom by November a financial settlement of all f claims of either Government against the other. ire will continue to make an annual payme\t of £250,000 in respect of damage to property provided under the Agreement of December, 1925.
All British penal duties against Eire, and the corresponding duties imposed by Eire on the United Kingdom, ave abolished. m effect. there is of a complete termination financial economic disputes.
Trade Agreement levelled at the transfer of British naval and military rights to the Eire Government, the political advantages appear altogether to outweigh any implicit technical disadvantages.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.