NORTHERN IRELAND AND EIRE [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR]
SIR,—Will you allow another resident in Ulster to express a standpoint somewhat different from that of S. C. R. in your issue of April 1st? In the present prolonged negotiations between Britain and the Irish Free State, we are confronted with a triangle, each representing more or less divergent interests, viz., Chamberlain, Craigavon, and de Valera. There have been discussions between No. I and No. 2, and between No. I and No. 3. Some of us think that no fruitful conclusions can be arrived at until there have been discussions between No. z and No. 3.
It may be that the gulf that separates them is impassable. Both parties would prove intransigent. De Valera demands his pound of flesh, the abolition of partition, Craigavon replies with " Not an inch " We here in Ulster glory in our devotion to the Empire, or, as we should term it, the British Commonwealth of peoples. Are we prepared to give a practical proof of that devotion by doing all in our poiver to facilitate these conversations between Britain and Eire, especially as regards the all important question of defence ? Perhaps Mr. Chamberlain in his meetings with Lord Craigavon will put this aspect 'of the issues at stake strongly before him.
May I add that I differ from S. C. R. as to the active hostility of the Government of Eire to Britain? At least the People, as a whole, are not hostile. Even with Mr. de Valera himself I think one can trace a change of attitude in the last year or two. Many of us in Ulster are longing for friendlier relations with our fellow-countrymen in this isle who live across the border, and we should welcome a lead in that direction.— Co. Down. •
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