The question of the ratification of the British-American Liquor Treaty
afforded the deputies in Dail Eireann an opportunity to air their views on the Free State's inter- national position. During the debate Mr. Fitzgerald, the Minister for External Affairs, said it was hoped to send a Free State representative to Washington, and he added that the question of sending representatives both to the Vatican and to Ottawa was also under consideration. A Washington cable informs us that the appointment of an Irish Free State Minister to the United States would not be acceptable unless the British Government deemed such an appointment advisable. It is hardly likely that the British Government would object as it did not demur in the case of Canada when the question of Canadian representation at Washington was under discussion. Sooner or later the leaders of public opinion in Ireland will have to make up their minds what answer they are going to give to the question Quo vadis? Are they going to fill the great position of a Free State within the British Commonwealth with all the obligations implied of working in co-operation with their other sister-States, or are they merely going to work for the creation of an Irish Republic at the earliest possible moment and cut loose from the British Commonwealth ? The sooner we know the answer to that question the better it will be for all concerned.
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