IN IRELAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1921, Page 2

IN IRELAND.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. THE CONFERENCE PROPOSAL LONDON, June 28. ft is understood that the Sinn Fein Parliament Dail Eireann are meeting in Dublin to-morrow to consider the British Cabinet’s invitation to Mr de Valera to attend a conference. All circles in Dublin, it is stated, display a hopeful feeling and belief is growing that de Valera will accept. THE WAY TO PEACE. LONDON, June 28 Mr Barry Egan, the Deputy I-ord Mayor of Cork, interviewed, expressed the opinion that an Irish peace would be immediately possible provided that the British Government’s latest is sincere; but Ireland is unlikely to accept any less proof of sincerity than the immediate withdrawal of auxiliaries and the Black and Tans. As soon as this is effected the Irish Republican Army’s fighting will also cease. Sinn Fein, he said, would enter a conference with a most sincere desire to seek a mutually acceptable settlement, which he was confident would he discovered once Britain sacrificed her pride and withdrew her “auxiliaries.” They did not seek a withdrawal even of the British regular army in Ireland. AVith that force the Irish people had no quarrel. A permanent peace, said Mr Egan, would give to Britain a valuable neighbour and an ally capable of producing fiv 0 times its present output of foodstuffs and also a customer buying correspondingly more manufactures front Britain.

Mr Egan said he did not think tin,' *Do suggested Dominion self government was sufficient for Ireland, owing to the fear of subsequent intriguing on (lie part of the British Government. Of rids intriguing, he said, Ireland has had hitter past experiences.

Mr Egan thought that international guarantees of Ireland’s integrity similar to those given already in the case of Belgium will be demanded by Ireland. Tie said he believed that Archbishop Olune, of Westralia, came within an ace of reaching an Trisli settlement, hut between his meetings and conferences, various leading Irish clergy had appealed for a “truce of God ” This appeal the British Cabinet has misinterpreted as being a sign of weak ness and division between clergy and Sinn Fein. Thereupon the British Minis try broke off their negotiations. After that said Mr Egan, the Cork fires occurred. These stiffened the Irish people’s resistance. SOUTHERN IRELAND PARLIAMENT. (Re'-eivcd This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, June 27. Workmen are erecting a dais at Dublin Hoard of Agriculture building and pieparing seats for the meeting of the Southern Parliament to-morrow. Military are in charge of the Hall. The Lord Justices will attend at three o’clock. No individual notices have been issued t» members. THE MEETING OF LEADERS. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, .Tune 27 The “Morning Post’s” Belfast correspondent states it is now known that Hon Llovd George and De Valera have been, corresponding for some time past. The rebel leader must have heen prepared for the invitation to a conference. On the other hand Sir James Craig was taken by surprise. He will not give more away or discuss the scrapping of the Home Rule Act. He came to Ulster in response to the Royalist’s call, and will not betray them.