Mr. de Valera and Great Britain The pressure of internal
political considerations on Mr. de Valera is well understood ; and the policy he favours privately is not necessarily identical at all times with the policy he is compelled to defend in public. That he genuinely desires some settlement with this country is certain, but on what terms is much less certain. Two assurances he has given in the past week—one that Ireland will never serve as base for hostile action against Great Britain, and the other that there can be no question. of Ireland declaring herself a republic during the lifetime Of the present Dail—are. satisfactory as far as they go. The situation was a little eased by the recent coal and livestock agreement, and the impression that under wise handling negotiations leading to a reasonable settlement would be possible imposes itself. But per- sonalities count for a good deal in such matters. If there is to be no change in the Dominions Secretaryship Mr. Baldwin would be well advised to give some attention to -Ireland himself. Friction . and misunderstanding so near home ought to be removed, even though its persis- tence lead to no disaster.
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