THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 August 1921, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. WH Vf LONDON PAPER A 1 .LEGES. LONDON, August 23. The “Daily Express” reveals that the leader of the so-called Sinn Fein extremists who are standing out for the full final separation of Ireland and England is Mr Erskine Childers (the famous writer). It adds: “Mr Childers is not an Irishman. Tie lias a fanatical temperament. It has found full scope in republicanism. He is seconded' by bis wife. She is a native of Boston, United States. America. Though she is a confirmed invalid, Mrs Childers spends her days in her sick ted in a relentless search for material for Sinn Fein’s propaganda. The success of her husband Mr’Childer’s editorship of the Sinn Fein “Bulletin” (official organ) is largely due to her zeal.” Mr Childers got his chance when Mr de Valera returned from America, to find Mr Arthur Griffiths (vice-Presi-dent) was in prison, and the other Irish leaders were “on the run.” Air Childers quickly gained an ascendancy. His section in the Dail Eireann numbers about fifty. It contains some of the best brains in the movement. Tt says: “Mr Desmond Fitzgerald, the former editor of the “Bulletin” was a moderate. When lie was sent to prison. All Childers took up Ids work. He spread his “gospel of hate” against England into every column. There is great danger that Air do Valera has greatly misplaced his confidence in Air Chihler’s political judgment. In short. Air Childers is the power behind the presidential chair.

ENGLISH PRESS STATEMENTS. LONDON, August. 24. The London “Daily Chronicles” Dublin correspondent is forecasting the ])ail Eireann reply to Eigland. He says: “Dail Eireann will reaffirm its adherence to us e republican principle, hut will not insist upon it, in view of the enormous cost in lives and money its vindication would entail. Dail Eireann will suggest that Air Lloyd George by his action in issuing the Smuts’ letter, has tacitly adopted General Smuts’ interpretation of the British offer. It will also point out that? in the opinion of the Dail Eireann the British offer does not confer a Dominion status. It will enumerate the objections to the terms offered and will invito AH' Lloyd George to reply in order that no ambiguity may remain to cloud the issue.” “Dail ’Eireanu will probably suggest that, if the Ulster difficulty cannot be compassed, Ulster should therefore te excluded from such benefits or privileges as are to be granted to t South apart from those Ulster already holds Ho adds: “Sinn Feiners believe that if this is done, Ulster will soon he tempted to join the South. DAIL EIREANN ADJOURNS. LONDON. August 24. The Dail Eirea.nn. after considering its reply to Britain adjourned. A further private seJsion takes place on Thursday.