THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 September 1921, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Conference Agreed Upon DE VALERA'S REPLY. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CAULE ASSOCIATION. (Received This Ray at 8 a.in.) LONDON, Sept. 18. De Valera has accepted the Conference. THE FULL TEXT. (Received This Ray at 8 a.m.) LONDON, September 18. The fall text of de Valera’s reply to Hon. Lloyd George has been published. It states—AVe have already accepted an invitation to a conference in the exact words of your letter of 7th. AVe have not asked you to abandon any principle even informally, but surely you must understand we can only recognise ourselves for what we are. Jf his self recognition be made a reason, for cancelling the conference, we regret it, but it seems inconsistent. I’ve already had conferences with you and in these conferences and in written communications I have never ceased to recognise myself for what I was and am. If this involves recognition on your part then you have already recognised us. Had it been our desire to add to the solid substance of Ireland’s rights, the veneer .of technicalities of international usage which you now introduce, we might have claimed already, the advantage of all these consequences which you fear would flow from a reception of our delegates now. Believe me we have that one object at heart, namely the setting up of a conference on a basis of truth and reality as would make it possible to secure a result the two peoples ardently desire.

' STATE OF TENSION. AWAITING LLOYD GEORGE’S REPLY. * (Received This Day at 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 18. The “Central News” correspondent states Dublin has gone through a series of surprises during the past two days. Though apparently a deadlock was reached, De Valera’s telegram shows lie and his colleagues are most anxious for a conference. In this Do Valera.is voicing the known opinion of the Irish nation. He knows that to fence further with political theories will be to jeopardise the confidence at preseht reposed in him. The Dail Eireann now knows that any settlement must be within the Empire. It is believed a conippbmise regarding Tvron and Fermanagh will satisfy the opponents of partition.

Hon Lloyd George’s reply is eagerly awaited. Official'circles in London regard De Valera’s letter as conciliatory. The Premier’s reply should clear the air. Hon Lloyd George will not he able to travel for two or three days. No ■"* Cabinet will be held until he is much better. TELEGRAM TO DE VALERA. (Received This Day at 11.30 a.m.) LONDON. Sept. 18 Hon Lloyd George telegraphed to Do Valera as follows—“I received your telegram. I observe it does notmodify the claim' that your delegates should meet us as representatives of a Sovereign independent State. You made no such condition in advance when you came to see me in July. I invited you to meet me as the chosen leader of a great majority of Southern Ireland. From the outset I told you we looked to Ireland to own allegiance to the Throne and make her future as a member of the British Commonwealth. That was the basis of our proposals and we cannot alter the status which you now claim in advance for your delegates, and which is in effect a repudiation of that basis.” Despite Lloyd George’s illness London labour Mayors have gone to Gairlecli, determined to see him.