TRUCE IN IRELAND

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 245, 11 July 1921, Page 5

TRUCE IN IRELAND

HOSTILITIES CEASE TO-DAY DE VALERA ACCEPTS INVITATION TO CONFERENCE WILL MEET BRITISH GOVERNMENT By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright. (Rec. July 10, 5.5 p.m.) London, July 8. It is officially announced that arrangements are being made for hostilities in Ireland to cease at noon on Monday. This arrangement is in consequence of the following correspondence:— Mr. Lloyd George, writing to Lord Midleton on July 7, said: The Government fully realise that it is impossible to conduct negotiations with any hope of satisfactory results if there is bloodshed and violence in Ireland. It would disturb the atmosphere and ■ make the attainment of peace difficult. As soon as I hear that Mr. de Valera is prepared to enter a conference with the British Government, and has given instructions to those under his control to cease acts of violence, we shall give instructions to the troops and police to cease their activities and operations against those engaged in this unfortunate conflict. To this Mr. de Valera replied: The desire you express on the part of the British Government to end the centuries of conflict between the two peoples of the two islands, and to establish relations of neighbourly harmony, is ths genuine desire of the people of ( Ireland. I have consulted my colleagues, and secured the views of the representatives of the minority of our nation in regard to the invitation yon sent, and desire to say that I am ready to meet you to discuss on what basis such a conference as that proposed can reasonably hope to achieve the object desired. Mr. do Valera notified the Dublin Conference of the terms of his letter, and Mr. Lloyd George’s letter was also read. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. alreadylegun AUXILIARY POLICE FRATERNISE WITH CIVILIANS. (Rec. July 10, 11.5 p.m.) London, July 9. The Irish truce, although it doos not officially commence until Monday, has already begun in Dublin. The military patrols have been withdrawn, and the auxiliary police are fraternising with civilians and amicably discussing the prospects. Lord Midleton, interviewed, said that the feeling outside the conference was overwhelmingly in favour of a ,settlement. The Dublin Conference was arranged for the purpose of bridging certain difficulties and creating a favourable atmosphere. He thought, that these objects had been accomplished. Lord Midleton has been received in audience by the King. His Majesty has also given an audience to Sir James Craig. Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY BOTH SIDES. Rec. July 10, 11.50 p.m.) London, July 9. An official report from Dublin states that Mr. De Valera has instructed his supporters—(l) To cease attacks on Crown forces and civilians; (2) to prohibit the use of arms; (3) to cease military manoeuvres; (4) to abstain from interference with public and private property; (5) to discountenance and prevent action likely to cause disturbance of the peace which might necessitate military interference. The Government has issued the following instruction:—(l) Raids and searches shall cease; (2) military activity shall be restricted to support of the police in their normal civil duties; (3) curfew restrictions shall be removed; (4) dispatch of reinforcements from England shall bo suspended; (5) police functions in Dublin shall bo carried on by tho Dublin metropolitan police. Tho above instructions come into force at noon on Monday.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. DUBLIN"CONFERENCE GENERAL MACREADY MEETS ’DE VALERA. (Rec. July 10, 5.5 p.m.) London, July 8. The Sinn Fsinsrs and Southern Unionists resumed their conference at Dublin. A crowd outside knelt in the streets and recited the Rosary for the success of the conference. General Macready attended the Dublin Mansion House and had a conference with Mr. do Valera. Later the "Irish Bulletin,” in a special edition, announced that it was expected that a truce would be arranged to take effect on Monday. Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. a fatefuFmeeting mr. lloyd George to preside. (Rec. July 10, 11.50 p.m.) London, July 9. Mr. Lloyd George, who is at Tho Chequers, is to have important consultations with Ministers on Sunday. The Dominion Premiers will also bo there. Mr. Lloyd George will preside at the fateful conference, which will bo t>riween file Government and Sinn I'ein only, and is expected to be held during the coining week. The "Sunday Express” says: —"No line of policy has been decided upon by the Government, which will welcome all suggestions from Ulster and the South. An important line of thought favours tne establishment of two distinct Dominions, North and South, with reservations on the question of foreign affaire and defence, and the retention of a voluntary linking council as a consultative body." Mr. Do Valera has issued a proclamation stating that: "Tn the negotiations now initiated your representatives will do their iitmojt to secure a just and peaceful termination of the struggle, but tho history and character of the issue to bo decided are e. warning against undue confidence. Should the use of force be resumed against our nafion, you must be ready to do your part once more to resist. Thus alone will you secure the final abandonment, of force and the acceptance of justice and reason as arbiter.” —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. IRISH GOOD-WILL STATEMENT BY REPUBLICAN LEADER. London, July 8. "If the British Government desires a peaceful solution based on right and justice, they will And no lack of goodwill on the part of tho Irish people.” 'Jhis is tho substance of an important statement by Mr. de Valera, who says that the republic is prepared to give the North-easi and Ulster such autonomy as tliey desire, and as is just. He denied that there was an irreconcilable element in the Sinn Fein, and said that neither had there been oven the slightest, difference of opinion or policy among the members of the Dail Eireann. There was

nothing in the republican constitution to prevent now proposals from Britain in regard to political relations being placed before the Irish people.—Aus.-N.Z; Cable Assn. THE LINES~OF SETTLEMENT "A SIGN OF BETTER TIMES.” London, July 8. "The Times” lobbyist says: "Tho Irish Conference will to-day supply Mr. .de Valera with the information ho requires before he makes his decision. Indications, which are admittedly vague, from Government quarters are that Lord Midleton will intimate that the lines of settlement must harmonise with the Act which establishes the Parliament of Belfast. It is expected that Mr. de Valera will reply with a counterproposal. The question of an intermediary to smooth the path is again mooted in some quairters. Everywhere men are looking’ tor a sign of better times. A truce, official or unofficial, would provide a clear sign. —"The Times.” OPINION OF DR. MANNIX (Rec. July 10, 11.5 p.m.) New York, July 9. The "Chicago Tribune’s” Tokio correspondent reports that Archbishop Mannix has arrived there, and visited a sister of the late Terence M'Swiney, who Is a teacher in n local convent. Dr. Mannix said: "There can be no truth in any report of peace in Ireland unless tho British announce complete Irish independ-ence."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.