THE IRISH PROBLEM

Hokitika Guardian, 12 October 1921, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM

IRISH ISSUES. OPPOSING PRISONERS RELEASE. ADSTItALIAV INI) N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, October lib The London “Daily telegraph” (Coalitionist) says: —“A strict observance of the Irish truce "is essential to the success of the Irish oonfcreire. There have .lieen some big parades of the Irish Republican Army, and even bombing instruction given. In many places the high rankers in the I.R.A. have lieun visiting camps, and inflammatory speeches have been made. There has recently lieen an extensive landing of arms. Notices declaring a boycott of English goods have been ported broadcast in Dublin last week. A seizure and destruction of Belfast goods now being consigned to provincial traders continues. The I.R.A. commandeered some Government property and private premises for army purposes. The Irish conference in T.oiulon ennnot meet in ])ro|K r r atmosphere while this continues Regarding the suggestion for the release of the interned Sinn Feiners in Irish

gaols, we must remember that this is an armistice. It is therefore impossible to release any prisoners until a peace has actually been signed. SINN FEIN .MANIFESTO. THE PEOPLE'S SPIRIT. LONDON. October 11. Mr Dc Valera has issued a proclamation to the Irish people, in regard to the negotiations. lie says : “Our delegates unanimously desire that the secular conflict between thrillers of Britain and the Irish people may happily end. The only peace, however, that can mid the struggle will lie a peace consistent with our nation’s light, guaranteeing us freedom, a freedom worthy of the sufferings which we have endured to secure it. “It is not the skill or statesmanship of a leader that will end this conflict, hut it is the-stern determination and the close unity of a nation, steeled to the acceptance of death, rather than any abandonment of its rightful liberty. Nothing but such a determination by our people can overcome the forces with which our delegates have to contend. It is by heroic endurance and suffering that Ire land lias gained the position which she holds. Were the prospect of furthehorrors and further sacrifices to cause her to quail or to falter for one moment, then all would again be lost. The very threats that could force a surrender on one vital particular would be relied on to force a surrender on another, till all would be gone. Ireland must stand where she is—unyielding and fearless—on the rock of right or she will l>e out-manoeuvred in detail. The power against us will use ever, artifice it knows of in tne hope of dispiriting, dividing and weakening us. Wo must all Iteware that the essential unity can best be maintained '-v nil unwavering faith in those who are deputed to act on our nation’s behalf, and by a confidence, manifesting itself in eloquent discipline to the end.”

VISCOUNT GHEV'P VIEWS. LONDON. October 10. Viscount Gre.v, speaking at Berwick on Tweed, delivered bis first political speech since liis retirement in 1016. ;He dealt with Ireland. He said: ‘"The next British election will be fought on j issues that have been made plainer since the war. The Coalition had ]"sI titled itself during war time, but it has I now an unsettled policy. It is juiulijling and changing its policies, which j has impaired tiiy public confidence” ! Tlie Coalition, be said, would cot • make an offer to Ireland until its poI licv of reprisals had failed, which was ■a dangerous attitude, he said. ”1 seen use f Irishmen are now negotiating with a i sense of victory. The Irish delegates I are now not dealing with a Government: they are beginning to deal, for tlies 'tii Ist time', with British public opinion.” It would he dangerous if the Irish delegates should force the negotiations to a point whereat Britishers believed their self-preservation were endangered. He continued by referring to ‘be question of a Dominion status for Irej land A Dominion partnership was equal partnership, but with only one foreign policy. If this was the solu- • tion the Government aimed at. it must have the consent of the other Dominions as the Government could not bring a new partner to the Imperial Council . Board on the same terms as other I partners without letters of good-will. Britain and Ireland, he claimed eenl.l not secure naval defence for either island unless the defence was under one authority. Viscount Grey declared a partitioned Ireland would never realise lri«h aspirations. An attempt to coerce I'l ster must fail. Ulster’s aid must be won bv the rest of Ireland.