THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1921, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

CABLE NEWS.

IUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. SINN FEIN’S REPLY: LONDON, August 20. ■ Mr de Valera and several of liis Sinn Fein colleagues members of a house party wlio are spending tho week-end on tho outskirts of Dublin where they are engaged in drafting Dail Eireans’s reply to the British offer. The reply will be submitted to the (Mansions House Sinn Fein Con once on Monday. It will be discussed at a private session of the Dail Eire ann. It is considered that the reply will be read in public, on Tuesday or YV ednesday and given formal approval Then it will be sent to London. It is believed that Dail Eireann’s reply to England will ask fdr definitions and guarantees to enable a clear issue to be put before the Irish people, who will be asked to decide by ' referendum. | IRISH PAPERS COMMENT, j ‘’Received This Day at 8 a.m.) j ' LONDON, Aug. 20. Dublin newspapers are impressed with j the new situation, arising out ,of Hon Lloyd George’s speech. The “Irish Independent” says:— j “Though Lloyd George affirms that the basis of his terms cannot be altered, Ibe admits there are questions which may need explanations, elucidation or elaboration. Ireland will rely upon her leaders to obtain the best possible terms from the British Government. A renewal of hostilities would be to say the least, a grave disappointment.” The “Irish Times” says-.—“ During the present week has shown the mind of an idealogue. The new crisis is reduced in its elements. Mo beseech him to show a mind of a warm blooded man of affairs. We beseech the Dail Eirann to be guided by commonsense.” CONFLICTING REPORTS (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, Aug 21. Newspapers publish conflicting reports regarding the prospects of the Irish settlement. Tho “Sunday Times” political correspondent states Downing St regards the outlook as distinctly uiv* favourable ,believing that the Dail Elr* ennn pronouncement will echo De Valera's defiance. It is believed De Va- . lora. Griffiths and Collins would accept the Dominion status but null not recommend it to their followers, for fear of incurring the reproach that they were betraying Irish ideals. The same paper’s Dublin correspondent savs optimism prevails in Dublin regarding, the settlement as Lloyd George’s speech at the rising of Parliament indicates a genuine desire for peace, and willingness to give way m ! negotiations on details; also that tre--1 mendons pressure is being exerted on ' the Irish leaders from the Irish in America and the dominions, to accept an ! honorable settlement. The leaders are v daily receiving dozens of cables warning them that they will alienate public ■ orinion throughout the ivorld, if they ‘ adont- an unreasonable attitude.