IN IRELAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 December 1920, Page 2

IN IRELAND.

RUMOURS OF A TRUCE. (United Service.) LONDON, December 6. The “Evening News” states there is a growing belief that peace negotiations p.i,j opening almost immediately. It is believed the arrest of Mr Griffiths (Commoner) was part of a plan to enable him' to discuss peace, safely and freely. Women are taking a prominent part in Ireland carrying on after tile men are. arrested. Several presided over Sinn Fein Courts.

HOME RULE BILL AMENDED. LONDON, Dec. 7. The House of Lords, by 51 votes to 50, carried Lord Salisbury’s motion deleting the clause in the Home Rule Bill providing for a Crown Colony form of Government for all southern Ireland. SINN FEIN VICE PRESIDENT. LONDON, Dec. f>. In the House of Commons Commander Kenworthy referred to the question asked of Mr Lloyd George by Rev Father Flanagan, the new Sinn Fein vice-President, who asked what Mr Lloyd George’s first step would be in the direction of securing peace. Commander Kenwortliy asked Mr Lloyd George whether Father Flanagan spoke • with authority. Mr Lloyd George replied—- “ That is what I want to know. The Government is prepared to discuss with anybody who would be authorised to speak for Ireland proposals which would bring peace.” 1 LLOYD GEORGE’S ATTITUDE. * LONDON, December 7. The, newspapers here variously describe the amount of. real progress towards starting Irish negotiations. The “Daily News”. (a Liberal Journal) expresses itself as being most hopeful. It says:—“The Premier and other Ministers have been strongly discussing the subject with more or less representative Irishmen who are deeply implicated in party politics.” The paper also says:— “Much is happening behind thle scenes.” The “Nows” also attaches importance to the fact of the Premier having breakfasted with the Rt. Hon. Sir G. W. Russell (former well-known Liberal M.P. for an Ulster constituency, and who has held an important post in connection with the Irish Government-) However, on the other hand, the “Daily Chronicle” says:—“Sir G W. 'Russell as a representative Irishman, d<(es not coliint.” It adds that an- , other Irishman who has lately been active in exploring the situation is Sir Horace Plunket (former head of the Irish Land Department). , : The “Daily News” says:—“lke Parliamentary atmosphere, apart from the representatives of Ulster, and the Unionists, is a. most sympathetic one. Even the Conservatives are. pleased at the Premier’ leaning towards peace.”

ARTHUR HENDERSON’S ATTITUDE LONDON, December 7. Jtt Hon. Arthur Henderson, Labour MLP., has returned unexpectedly to London, leaving the remainder of the Labour Delegation in Ireland. > Mr Henderson, interviewed, said: I have come into contact with every school of thought in I Aland, political religious and economy and all are tired of strife and want peace. My firm conviction is that the present moment offers' an excellent opportunity for a settlement, which has been frequently urged, The existing reign of terror must cease before negotiations begin; but, to permit the almost universal yearning for peace to evaporate because of too much concentration on the hideous deeds of the past two years which thoughtful people of all shades deplore and condemn, may plunge the two nations into a bitter struggle such as has never been encountered before. Everything should he done to secure a period of comparative quietude, wherein all acts of violence, l>oth official agd unofficial, shall' cease. A definite effort should be made, officially, to arrange the terms of an armistice, during which conferences between representatives of the British Government and the Trish people should be held.' I have reason to know that if these suggestions are acted upon the full weight of the heads of the Roman Gatholio church and organised Labour in Ireland would be used to secure cessation of lawlessness. Mr Henderson adued that lie topes to lay his proposals before. Mr Lloyd George.

POLICE ATTACKED. LONDON, Dec. 6. A party of ten police in a motor lorry were ambushed at Clonakilty, resulting in a brisk fight, and a constable was wounded. Two others summoned reinforcements, which arrived to find the attackers gone. s DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL. LONDON, Dee. 6, A force of police raided the meeting of-the Dublin City Corporation. They arrested Mr Staines, the well-known Sinn Fein member of Parliament, and also five other city councillors. ENGLISH PRESS VIEWS. LONDON, December 7.

The “Daily News” which has been the earliest and strongest advocate of Christmas peace-making as to Ireland states it believes some progress is being made, but it points out that a truce must first be arranged, involving a settlement of important subjects, such as murder campaigns, the withdrawal from Ireland of the military and release of many 'Sinn Feiners while the subject of a. Republic must be barred.