IRISH UNITY

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 15, 12 October 1921, Page 5

IRISH UNITY

URGED BY DE VALERA THE PEACE THAT CAN END THE STRUGGLE MUST BE CONSISTENT WITH COUNTRY’S RIGHTS Mr. da Valera says the only peace that can end the struggle will be a peace consistent with the nation’s right, guaranteeing a freedom worthy of the sufferings endured to secure it. He urges unwavering faith in those de- ... puted to act on tho nation’s bohalf. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright' (Reo. October 11, 9.40 p.m.) • London. October 11. Mr. de Valera has issued a proclamation to the Irish people saying: "Our delegates unanimously desire that the secular conflict between the rulers of Britain and the Irish people may happily end. Tho only peace that can end tho struggle will bo ft peace consistent with the nation’s right, guaranteeing a freedom worthy of the sufferings endured to secure it. It is not the skill or statesmanship of the leaders that will end this conflict, but the stern determination of a close-knit nation steeled to the acceptance of death rather than the abandonment of rightful liberty. Nothing but such a determination by our people can overcome the forces with which the delegates havo to contend. By heroic endurance and suffering Ireland gained the position she holds. Wero the prospect of further horrors or further sacrifices to cause her to quail or falter fol a moment all would again, be lost. Threats that could force a surrender in one vital particular would be relied on to force a surrender in another till all would bo gone. Ireland must stand where she is, unyielding and fearless on the rock of right, or be outmanoeuvred and defeated in detail. Tho power against ns will use every artifice it knows of in the hope of dispiriting, dividing, and weakening us. Wo must all beware. Essential unify can best bo maintained by unwavering faith in those deputed to act on the nation’s behalf and a confidence manifesting itself in eloquent discipline to the end. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SPEECH BY VISCOUNT GREY PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN COALITION IMPAIRED ,j IRISH POLICY CRITICISED. (Reo. October 11, 9 p.m.) London, October 11. Viscount Grey, at Ben-wick-on-Tweed, delivered his first political speech since his retirement in 1916. He said the next election would be fought on issues made plainer since the war. The Coalition had justified itself during war time but had now an unsettled policy, jumbling and changing its policies, which had impaired public confidence. Tho Coalition would not make an offer to Ireland until renrisals had failed, which was dangerous, because Irishmen were no-v negotiating with a sense of victory. The Irish delegates wero now not dealing with tho Government. They were beginning to deal for the first time with British public opinion. It would bo dangerous if the Irish delegates should force the negotiations to a point at which Britishers believe self-preservation was endangered. Dominion partnership was an equal partnoxship, with onlv ono foreign policy. If this is the solution at which the Government aims it must hnvo tho consent of tho other Dominions. If cannot bring a new partner to tho Imperial Council board on the same terms as tho other partners without tho latter’s good will. Britain and Ireland cannot secure naval defence for cither island unless tho defence is undor one authority. Partitioned Ireland would never realise Irish aspirations. The attempt to coerce Ulster must fail. Ulster’s aid must be won by the rest of Ireland. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

PROBABLE DEMAND BY BRITAIN MORE STRICT OBSERVANCE OF TRUCE. London, October 10. It is learned from official quarters that when the ’lrish Conference meets, the British Government representatives will probably demand from the Sinn Fein representatives an undertaking that the tiuce be moro strictly observed while tho negotiations are progressing. Mr. Michael Collins (Sinn Fein Minister of Finance) has arrived in London. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ACTIVITY OF REPUBLICAN ARMY INFLAMMATORY SPEECHES BY HIGH RANKERS. (Rec. October 11, 8.5 p.m.) London, October 10. Tho “Daily Telegraph" says: “A stricter observance of the truc-o is essential to tho success of tho Irish conference. There have been big parades of the Irish Republican Army with bombing instructions in many places. High rankers in the I.R.A. visiting the camps made inflammatory speeches. There has recently been extensive landing of anns. Notices declaring a boycott of English poods have been posted broadcast in Dublin during the last week. Tho seizure find destruction of Belfast goods consigned to provincial traders continue. The I.R.A. comthandecred Government property and private premises for army purposes. The conference cannot meet in a proper atmosphere while this continues. Regarding tho suggested release of internees, Sinn Fc-iners must remember that this is an armistice, and it is impossible to release prisoners peace is actually signed." Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.