Volume 3 1926~1932


Doc No.
Date
Subject

No. 285 NAI DT S5340/13

Letter from Michael McDunphy to Diarmuid O'Hegarty (London)
(Copy)

Dublin, 19 October 1929

Dear O'Hegarty,

The Cabinet had before them at their meeting today Mr McGilligan's report of the 18th instant on the meeting of Heads of Delegations which took place on Thursday afternoon.1

Ministers are not quite sure if they have correctly appreciated the points on which advice is sought, but generally they are in agreement that provided a favourable report on the major matters can be secured the position should not be jeopardised by making trouble either on

(a) the question of the succession of the Crown
  or
(b) the enforcement of discipline on armed forces in the territory of other Dominions.

Mr. McGilligan's proposals in regard to both of these matters are approved.

On the specific points raised in regard to succession the view here is as follows:-

(a) the preamble to the general report of the Conference suggested on page 3 of Mr McGilligan's report with the amendment suggested by him on page 4 is agreed to.
(b) The right to enact legislation regarding the succession to the Crown may be retained by the British Parliament, to be exercised with or without the assent of the Dominions as may be agreed.

    It is not considered desirable that we should be placed in the position of having to pass any legislation on this matter. Should this be contemplated, however, the matter should be referred back here for further consideration.

(c) The reservation of power to the British Parliament in regard to the Crown should, as suggested, be limited purely to the question of succession, if that can be secured.

Sincerely yours,
[initialled] M. McD

1 See No. 279.