IRISH PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 228, 21 June 1921, Page 5

IRISH PROBLEM

THE DEMAND FOR A REPUBLIC ‘INDEPENDENT IRELAND NO DANGER TO BRITAIN ” DE VALERA INTERVIEWED ’ By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Juno 19. Mr. O’Sullivan, an Australian journalist, secured an interview with de Valera at tho latter’s hiding-place. Mr. O’Sullivan says it was an adventurous business, the obstructions to his quest convincing him that tho British Government was not conniving at freedom of do Valera’s movements. Discussing Mr. Lloyd George’s speech at Portmadoc, *de Valera said that his admission that two-thirds of tho Irish people desired an independent republic ought to end finally tho pretence that the republic was demanded only by a handful of violent extremists. What other course was open, in view of the thrice-repeated decisive demonstrations of the national plebiscite, at which threefourths of the people proved their adherence to tho republic? If Mr. Lloyd Gcorgo would face the facts regarding the right of the Irish to independence as he faced them regarding tho strength of Irish opinion for a republic an understanding between the British and Irish would be much easier to reach.

Asked for his views regarding tho suggestions for a Dominion status, do Valera said that no such status was ever offered, and until it was possible to translate Ireland to the antipodes or another hemisphere no such status was feasible. In order to secure in practice such freedom as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada enjoyed, Ireland, owing to her proximity to Britain, must be guaranteed as a sovereign independent State. “Those who think we are entitled to the reality of a Dominion status ought to perceive, if that is so, that wo are entitled to a republic. Tho fact is that, while adherents of tho .Empire in the Dominions enjoy something more than independence, w<n in claiming a republic, seek simple Irdependence. Nothing more.” Asked if Britain had not good grounds for thinking an independent Ireland a danger to her, do Valera said: This fear was based on the assumption that an independent Ireland was likely to be hostile, whereas common cense and everything else point to tho reverse. Ireland has been at enmity with England because England has beta actively- injuring Ireland. So long as aggression . continues the enmity will, continue. Tho cementing forces of community of interest never will be permitted to operate because of the violent agitation caused by English aggression and its reaction, namely, Irish resentment. Remove this agitation, and you produce a condition which has been impossible through all the centuries past.” ( Asked what solution he proposed, de Valera said: “A' neutral Irish State, whoso inviolability will he guaranteed by, say, the United States and the States of the British Empire, and any others that could be secured as signatories. We claim complete control of our destinies but what we claim, for ourselves we desire for others. - Also, a freo Ireland would never allow its territory and harbours to be made the bases of an attack upon England by an outside Power. A native Irish defence force would 'be many times more effective in keeping out an invader than any force England could put hero, whilst in case of danger England’s own forces would still bo available. Any pledge Troland gives she will keep. With an independent Ireland beside her, .Britain would be more, not less, safe than now from foreign attacks. Pride of possession obscures not merely England’s sense of justice but her common sense.” —Aus.N.Z. Cable. Assn.

FISCAL AUTONOMY TO BE DISCUSSED BY BRITISH CABINET A FATEFUL DECISION. (Rec. June 20, 7.50 p.m.) London, June, 20., To-day’s Cabinet meeting will discuss Irish finance, and it is considered, that tho result will bo fateful. Liberal members of the Cabinet prefer concessions to the continued intensified coercion. They are supported 'by certain Unionists, lhe Premier, Air. Balfour, and Sir Hamar Greenwood lead; the dissentients. It is estimated that the Irish revenue is nearly forty-seven millions, one-tenth of which only is controlled by the Irish Parliament. Reformers in the Cabinet . desire to give real fiscal autonomy, subject to payments for Imperial defence, practically the same as in the case of Australia, declaring that this is the. only way to salvation and the end of civil war. A majority of members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords -will probably support the reformers—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. ROYAL VISIT TO BELFAST THE KING MAY APPEAL FOR PEACE. (Rec. Juno 20, 7.50 p.m.) London, June 20. Tho "Daily Herald” states that more than eleven thousand of the forces will guard Belfast during tho Royal visit. Not a word is spoken against Their Majesties in Ireland. So far the Lord Mayor’s appeal for JllO.OOO for the purposes of a Royal reception has elicited .£l4OO. The King’s Belfast speech may contain more than platitudes, and perhaps a strong peace appeal.-Aus.-N -Z. Cable Assn. THE SEIZE!) MACHINE-GUNS. AMERICAN AUTHORITIES’ INVESTIGATIONS. New York, June 18 The Federal investigations disclosed that two of the machine-guns seized on tho steamer Eastside were mounted ready for immediate use. It is pointed out that the engine-room could have easily dominated the entire crew and so forced tho'landing of the arms at any placo they desired. Captain Johnston, who was closely questioned by tho authorities, denied that he knew tho names of tho men who joined l the ship and left as soon as the guns weife discovered—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. , WEEK-END OUTRAGES* INCENDIARISM AND MURDER. (Rec. Juno 20, 5.5 p.m.) London, Juno 20. Rebels destroyed Ravensdale Castle anti Dundalk Library, which contained the only complete set of journals of the old Irish Parliament. The courthouse was also destroyed, likewise Warrens Court, Cork, (he residence of Sir Augustus Warren. , , , ■ A patrol of Wiltshires was bombed in Dublin from the streets and housetops. Seven military and nine civilians were wounded, including three women. A party of Crown forces fought armed civilians at Castlecomer. Ono rebel was killed and two wore wounded. Rebels attacked police nt Thomastown. Ono constable was killed and one wounded. Many exservice men and other civilians have been murdered. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. June 20, 7.50 p.m.) London, June 20. Au officer of the Worcester Regiment, while motoring last night with throe

ladies at Carrickmines, was held up by armed civilians, who took the officer from the car and shot him, inflicting a dangerous wound. They then ordered one of tho ladies to drive to tho mountains, where the officer was again taken out and murdered. Reports received from Dublin since midnight state that intense rifle and mnehine-gun fire has broken out. It is bCTl&ved that a further attack against the Customs House is in progress,—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. ATTACKS ON ENGLISII_RAILWAYS SEVEN ARRESTS IN LONDON. (Roc. Juno 20, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 20. The week-end attacks on English railways were continued in London and Manchester. Three signal boxes were destroyed, and ono signalman wounded. Seven arrests were made in London.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.