THE NEGOTIATIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 20 December 1920, Page 2

THE NEGOTIATIONS

FATHER O’FLANAGAN’S views (Australian N.Z. Cable Association< (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, Dec 18. Father O’Flanaghan telegraphed to Hon Lloyd George.—While sending a message of peace and good-will to Ireland, the Government has intensified the.fiendish attacks on our lives, liberties and property. How hollow your fair words read in the newspapers, sand wiclied between the burning of Cork, the murder of Mangarand Crowley. If you really wish peace, allow the constitution adopted by the Irish people at tl*e last general election to perform its legitimate functions, and acts of violence will soon become as rare in Ireland as in any of the most peaceful nations of the world; then arrange terms of treaty by idirect negotiations with the head of the Irish nation, President De Valera. This is the only possible road to reconciliation, which is vital to the nterests of both nations.

LLOYD GEORGE’S STRAIGHT ANSWER,

(Received this day at 8 a.m.) Hon Lloyd George replied as follows: —I had hoped, with moderation and common-sense on both sides that - it would have 1 been possible to reach an understanding which would stop strip in Ireland and pave the way to reeoneiliatons. You now imply that in your judgment, the only road to reconciliation is the recognition of a Republic, and the negotiation of a treaty with some-one you designate as the official head and President. I have never failed to make it clear that there is no possible settlement so long as Sinn Fein demands a Republic, and that though I am willing to explore every avenue towards an honourable constitutional settlement, there is no toad to peace so long as Sinn Fein persists in trying to compel any settlement by means of assassination and violence. The only way to peace is that Sinn Fein leaders should recognise these fundamental facts. Tlieir present policy is only leading Ireland ever nearer chaos and ruin. I deeply regret you should close the door on counsel’s of good-will which you invoked at the beginning of this correspondence.

CANON MAGNAR’S DEATH

' (Received This Dav at 8 a.m.) 1 LONDON, Oct. 18. j Evidence given by the auxiliary police at the military inquiry at Dhnnavanwoy into the shooting of Magnar, revealed that Cadet Harte was bordering on delirium tremens. Harte after shooting Crowley approached Magnar, seized the priest’s hat, and threw it on the ground. He made the priest kneel on the road and 'fired at him woiunding him. He then fired again, this time fatally. Harte searched the priest’s pockets scattering the contents oh the ground. OTHER OUTRAGES. • (Received this dav at 8 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 18. Constable Shannon was fatally shot at Swanbindar and Sergeant Morahan was wounded.

1 Two military lorries were ambushed at Miteheltown and two soldiers were killed and two wounded. Reinforcements consisting of field arltilery, Scottish borderers, and Yorkshire light infantry have landed at Cork. Several local bodies in Nationalist parts of Ulster have renounced allegiance to the Dail Eirlann, and acknowledged the Local Government Board. Sligo Corporation has also surrendered. i One hundred Sinn Feiners ambushed

a lorry load of police and military near Ennistymon. Four soldiers and two police were wounded. Two civilians were captured. Traces of blood indicate casualties amongst the attackers. A party of raiders drove up in motor cars and attacked Foulksmill barracks on three sides. After a fierce half hour’s fight, they were driven off, abandoning a quantity of bombs and arms.

MONASTERY RAIDED. LONDON, 1 Dec 18. The military have raided the Capuchin Monastery in Dublin. They made x a minute search. Father Dominic, the late Mayor McSweeney’s chaplain was arrested.

AN AEROPLANE LOSS. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) - LONDON, Dec. 18.

Owing to engine trouble a Handley Page aeroplane flying to Ireland with a crew of seven of the Royal Air Force descended to the sea fifteen miles from South Stoqjc lighthouse. The lighthouse keeper reported the accident to Holyhead from which a wireless flashed news to shipping in the Channel. Owing to a careful descent, the aeroplane floated for several hours but the seas were meanwhile breaking it up. The crew crawled to the wings and clung to the cross wipes. A steamer rescued all a few minutes before the aeroplane sank. A STRINGENT ORDER. . (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 19. Sir R. Macready in an order instructing troops in their new duties under martial law, warned them that any reprisals on their part will be punishable by death. Likewise offences against persons or property and breaking into bouses and other buildings for purposes of plunder.

A man in possession of live bombs was arrested in the Central Hotel, Dublin, now used as an officers hostel.