The prospect that a discussion of the Hugh Lane pictures,
to which I made some reference a few weeks ago, will take place on the Easter adjournment motion in the House of Commons means that considerably more time can be given to it than would be possible in the half-hour's adjournment debate at the end of a normal day's sittings. The present Government has considered the question of letting Dublin have the pictures, in accordance with what was plainly Sir Hugh Lane's intention, though a flaw in the codicil to his will robbed his declared desire of legal effect, but decided against it, and Mr. Attlee, in answering a question three weeks ago, showed no sign of a change of attitude. But if the debate takes place hitherto unpublished evidence of Sir Hugh's expressed wishes is likely to be forthcoming, and if a general desire were manifested that Eire should be given what is undoubtedly her due, I should expect that the Government would be prepared to concur.
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