IN IRELAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 August 1921, Page 3

IN IRELAND.

CABLE NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. j DE VALERA’S LETTER. LONDON, Aug. 14. Do Valera continued—Everyone understniuling the conditions knows that the Dominion status for Ireland would he illusory. The freedom which tlio British dominions enjoy, is not so much the result of legal enactments and treaties as the immense distances separating them from Britain, making interference by the British impracticable. The most explicit guarantees including the Dominions acknowledged right to secede, would he necessary to secure to Ireland an equal degree of freedom. There is no suggestion in your proposal of any such guarantees. Instead, the natural position has boon reversed. Our geographical situation ill respect to Britain is made the basis of denials and restrictions unheard of in the case of Dominions. The sinalled island must give military Safeguards and guarantees to the larger. The offer itself is to he reduced to a position of helpless dependence. It is obvious we could not urge our people to accept such a proposal and accept a treaty of free association with the British Commonwealth group, as with a partial League of Nations, we would he ready to recommend to negotiate and take responsibility for, if we had an assurance of an entry of the nation as a whole into such an association, would secure for It the allegiance of the present dissenting minority. Treaties for free inter-trade and mutual limitation of armament and agreements facilitating our railway and other cdilimiulications can he effected. No obstacle will lie placed in the way of a smooth commercial intercourse essential io both islands. All treaties and agreements would have to he ratified, firstly, by the national legislation and subsequently by the Irish people, under circumstances of decision from which military compulsion would he absent. Wo are prepared to leave the question of Ireland’s liability for a share of the present debt to United Kingdom to a hoard of arbitration, one appointed by Ireland, one by Britain and a third to he chosen by agreement, or in default to be nominated, say, by the American president. Regarding the question at issue between the political minority and the great, majority of the Irish people that must remain a question for the Irish people themselves to settle. V e cannot admit the right of the British Government to mutilate the contrary either in is own interests or at call of any section oi cir, population. AA edo not coniemplate tlio use of force. L your Government stands aside we can efteet a complete reconciliation. We are willing that this question he submitted to external arbitration. We are ready to meet you in all that is reasonable and just. The responsibility for initiating and effecting an honorable peace rests primarily on your Government. We have no conditions to impose and no claims, hut one, that we he free from aggression. THE IRISH OFFER. (Received This Day at 12.25 p.m.) LONDON, August 15. The “Manchester Guardian” says the, choice is with Ireland. All her best friends and most resolute opponents hope she will not close the door to peace. The “Daily News” refuses to believe that the Irish will allow the present golden opportunity to be lost. ° The “Herald” says the Government hare been driven by tbo sheer weight of public opinion to concede Ireland «. big portion of what she demands, and intends to stand hv whatever decision is arrived at. Tt is their right and responsibility to make the decision alone. AMERICAN PRESS VIEW’S. (Received This Day at 11.80 a.in.) NEW YORK, Aug. 15 The New York “Globe" and “Post’ agree tliat Mon Llovd George’s olier is generous. A serious responsibility devolves upon Do Valera, if lie recklesslv pro cuts peace by clinging to uuieasonable demands. The “Post” says it is within the power of Sinn Fein leaders to win l e Ireland a position so legally and morallt impregnable as to snt.isly the lull aspirations of the Irish people. To permit age long animosity to I rust rate that, would he an act of wanton recklessness. The “Globe” considers the offer the best conceivable and believes Mon Lloyd George has honestly attempted to solve the problem. If the Republicans refuse, they cannot say as much lor themselves. AN ULSTER VIEW. (Received This Day at 12.25 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 15 The “Northern Whig” says the rebels ' may take what is offered nr cympel the Government to undertake the reconfipiest of the west and south. The Government will undertake the duty re- ! luctantly, but discharge it completely 1 finally, or make way for a Government 1 which will give a more adequate exj pression to the will of the British peo- ! pie.