IRISH SITUATION

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 234, 28 June 1921, Page 5

IRISH SITUATION

THE INVITATIONS TO LONDON CONFERENCE BOTH PARTIES EXPECTED TO ACCEPT PROSPECTS OF SETTLEMENT By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. Juno 27, 7.55 p.m.) London, June 26. Ths Dublin correspondent of “The Times” says that Ireland regards Mr. Lloyd George’s invitation as a direct outcome of the King’s Belfast speech. It has changed the whole face of the political situation, and-caused a reaction of public opinion from despair to profound relief and lively hope. It is expected that De Valera and his colleagues will attend the conference, and invite the Cabinet to state the maximum concessions for submission to the Dail Eireann. If all goes well a military truce will be then arranged, and terms of settlement discussed at joint sittings of tho Northern Parliament and representatives of Southern Ireland. Public opinion believes that if the two bodies were brought together a settlement would he reached. “The Times” lobbyist comments that Sinn Fein is well awaro that the Dominions are now watching Irish affairs at n closer range through the eye® of their Premiers in London. The Premiers’ presence adds to the appropriate ness of summoning Irishmen to a conference to end the age-old feud. The eyes of the Empire are now turned to lieland. The Sinn Fein reply will profoundly influence Dominion opinion.— "The Times.” London, Juno 26. The "Daily Mail” states Cabinet approved Mr. Lloyd George’s letters to De Valera and Sir James Craig. The latter will summon the Ulster Cabinet to meet on June 28 to consider the invitation. De Valera is consulting the Sinn Fein lenders. It is expected that both parties will accept. The "Mail’s” Dublin correspondent telegraphs that De Valera certainly will, provided Mr. Lloyd George gives - —o binding guarantees of safety for Mi-hnel Collins, Richard Mulcahey, and o’ her prominent republicans that De Valera mny choose to bring.—United Service. STTt. JAMES CRAIG TO CONSULT ULSTER CABINET. fßec. June 27, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 27. Sir James Craig will consult the Ulster Cabinet on Tuesday regarding tho invitation from Mr. Lloyd George, which was similar to that sent to Do Valera—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. SENSATION IN DUBLIN. London, June 26. Mr. Lloyd George’s letter to De Valera, inviting him, and any colleagues he chose to select, to a conference in London, caused a sensation in Dublin. IVell-in-formed circles are not over-optimistic, but believe good may accrue. The moderate Sinn Feiners will do their best to firrange tho meeting. They will have the unanimous support of the trading and professional classes. De Valera’s answer is expected early to-morrow. Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. SINN FEIN’S POLICY OF DESPERATION HOPES OF REPUBLIC DESTROYED. London, June 25. "The Times” correspondent in Dublin says that Ireland was never worse. Sinn Fein is at bay, and appalling and increasing desperate crimes are feared. The extremists have captured the moderates, who favoured peace two months ago ’ The new policy of desperation is attributable to the Ulster elections. Ihe formation of a Government has brought about the hated partition, and destroyed tho hopes of the Republic, and aroused passionate antipathy.—" The Times. THE MURDER CAMPAIGN THREE MEN SHOT. (Rec. June 27, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 27. Cadet Hunt has been fatally shot and Sectional Leader White seriously wounded. Both, accompanied by their wives, were having tea in a Dublin hotel, when a dozen men rushed in and fired revolvers. Sinn Feiners raided a farmhouse at Emyvale, occupied by Arthur Trainer, who had previously refused to pay Sinn Fein levies. The raiders took drainer out of bed and fatally shot him in a neighbouring lane—Aus.-N.Z. Cattlo Assn.