IN IRELAND

Hokitika Guardian, 25 July 1921, Page 3

I N IRELAND

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. HOPES OF IRISH SETTLEMENT. LONDON, July 23. The London newspapers declare that optimism regarding the ultimate re.s it of the Irish negotiations eontinius in both the Government and the Sinn Fein circles.

GENERAL SMUTS. LONDON, July 23. It is reported that General Smuts is again going to Dublin in connection with the Irish question The British Cabinet lias consulted him specially prior to his departure to Ireland. Mr O’Brien Ikis explained to an interviewer that lie is remaining in London as a possible vehicle of communication between Mr de Valera and Mr Lloyd George. General Smuts probably is visiting Dublin on Saturday. General Smuts was called into consultation with the Premier, Mr Churchill, and other Cabinet Ministers yesterday evening.

TRUCE TO CONTINUE. LONDON,, July Mr O’Brien is of the opinion that it may he a fortnight before any de finite progress is made one way or the l other, lie adds that the truce, however will on Sinn Fein’s part he faithfully kept in the interim.

ULSTER’S ‘-COURTESY.” LONDON. July 23. Sir James Craig submitted the proposals ilr Lloyd George recently made to Mr de -Valera at a northern Cabinet meeting. The receipt of the proposals is regarded merely as an ai l of courtesy.

j LONDON PRESS REPORTS (LONDON, July 23

The London “Evening Standard’’ nays: ‘*The Soiitheim Unionists approve of the terms Mr de Valera is submitting to the Dail Eireann. Sir James Craig and his Ulster Cabinet regard the general safeguards in these terms are adequate. The “Standard” says: Mr de Villein, early in the conservation, drooped the demand for an Irish Republic. Plain sailing followed. Mr Lloyd George making many concessions. The Tmperiftl Piyrliamjeiit will .maintain adequate military safeguards.

“The neav Irish Governments will fully control taxation, excise, and customs. The Royal Irish Constabulary wilt disappear. The present police will he recast. Powers will be given in order to raise new territorial forces.

_ HOPE OF SETTLEMENT. (Received This Day at 12.25 p.m.) LONDON, July 23. The public determination of London not to abandon hope of an Irish peace is reflected in the reports from Dublin. A great source of consolation is the strict observance of the truce. Two Nationalist papers in Dublin do not refer to the negotiations. The Irish “Times” advises sober expectation. There is some talk of a referendum. English Unionists are making wrv faces at the extent of the concessions »to Si mi Fein, hut many l.dieve the. large body of public opinion would welcome almost any settlement. The “Sunday Times” st-ate s the problem is nearer solution now than it ever has been. The mass of public opinion will be justly angry if it- is defeated by bigotry or yisionnlly fob. ir*