THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 August 1921, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

DAIL EIREANN IN SESSION. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, August 18. There is now no prospect of the Bail Lire aim considering the British terms offered this week. To-day Dail Eireann spent the day in a secret session, listening to Irish departmental reports. These were debated at considerable length. The Dail Eireann lias declined to consider th e British offer out of its proper order. AVhen it is reached a long discussion is expected LONDON CRESS REPORTS. LONDON, August 18. Tbl' “Daily News” special correspondent at Dublin says: “The irreconcilable members of the Dail Eireann may win, but there is sure to he a struggle. Probably it will not be for the acceptance of the present English terms, but over the suggestions for the alternatives which might lead to a plebiscite. A msst important pointin connection with the latter would be whether the Irish Republican Army would permit a free expression of opinion or repeat methods employed at recent elections. Ireland is living under military dictatorship. Unless a plebiscite can be really free in its expression, it wotilcl be worse than useless. A suggestion now widely discussed here is the reference of the whole problem to a special commission appointed by the League of Nations with a chairman nominated by the United States Government. UNIONIST PAPER COMMENT. LONDON, August 18. Commenting on Air de Valera’s speech on Wednesday the Irish “Times” (Unionist) says: “We take into account the human nature of ginn Feiners as in the Irish Unionists. We do not question Dail Eireann patriotism or readiness to make .sacrifices, and hope its patriotism may be informed \ wisdom, not requiring Irish people to make immense sacrifices to no useful end. Air de Valera’s speech, .suggests a deadlock lias .been reached; if so, the time has arrived to refer the G< vernment’s offer to be consulted in the extremity concerning the life and peace of every man, woman and child.” The “Irish Independent” rejoices that de Valera’s statement reveals to suggestion thift negotiations are likely to he terminated. OBJECTION TO TER AIN. LONDON, August 18. At*a meeting of a number of Conservative Peers, including Lord Ampthill, Selborne, Sydenham, Northumberland, Salisbury, Pagecroft. and Banbury. and also Conservative Al.P.’s a resolution to the effect: “That they profoundly dissented from the far-reach-ing offer which the Government made to Air de Valera, including the maintenance of a Sinn Fein Army.” The offer was described as “a complete reversal of decisions «f Parliament as embodied in an Act ■ was only passed in Decern her last.”