THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 January 1922, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

“TIMES” ON IRELAND

“ THE TIMES ” SERVICE

LONDON, January 9

The “Times” in an editorial says it needed only an offer of real independence. in Ireland’s own affairs to sweep aside all that was adventitious and impermanent in Sinn Fein. The de Valeraites, unless wo err, do not possess a more solid hold on the policy than Irish gratitude for past services. Griffiths and Collins have shown strong traits of statesmanship but statesmanship desires a degree of public appreciation, to which Ireland may not yet be able to attain. We trust she will rally to her new governors, for if Ireland is truly to enjoy liberties, the will to sacrifice must be sustained, even in the hour of triumph. She is about to attempt an experiment in political architecture, which if successful, may enrich civilisation. If only this country understands, she is entitled to the spirit as well as the letter of liberties. There need bo little fear for future relationship .of these islands. There will be mistakes and misunderstandings but enlightened justice is the only key.

DIO VALERA’S STAND,

LONDON, Jan 9. At the Dail Firearm meeting, Mr de Valera declared that he must take every step to prevent the submersion of the Irish Republic until the people of Ireland had been consulted, and the Government of this Republic must eariy on in interim. They would not actively oppose those who were prepared to carry the treaty into operation. The plenipotentiaries could take what steps they deemed necessary, but the Dail Firearm would control Ireland’s resource**.

Mr Cosgrove said this was an attempt by a minority toi elect the President and the Cabinet, and to control the Government. Mr de Valera, denied this, saying that he did not want to be himself reelected. , Mr Milroy said that Mr de Valera’s proposition aimed at nullifying Saturday’s Dail Eireann decision. It was for those who were defeated to resign. LONDON PRESS COMMENTS. LONDON, Jan 10. On Monday there was another meet ing. of the Dail Eireann. It was devoted to another effort by Mr de Valera carrying out a threat to retire into private life. Nevertheless de Valera’s attitude of mind was most obscure. Mr de Valera has made numerous speeches in which he has explained that he does not want to be re-elected as head of the Sinn Fein Government, but he slated that if reelected, he would act as though the Irislil Republic still existed.

As Saturday’s vote bound his Government to nothing it is evident Mr de Valera wants still to keep full executive control in Ireland, including the use of all the funds while Messrs Griffiths and Collins and the Ratification Treaty are to be permitted to take over Ireland from the British Government.

It does not seem to occur to the de Valeraites that the British Government is not likely to assent to such a course.

Indeed it' is now 1 understood that the Committee have already been retarded in connection with the proposed evaluation of 60,000 British troop* from Ireland.

GRIFFITH’S TRIBUTE. LONDON, Jan 10. In the Dail Eireann on Monday the division on the Presidency was most exciting. Three members, including Mr de Valera had won, but the figures de Valera himself, abstained from voting. Two of the pro-Treaty men voted for Mr de Valera. A majority of the observers thought that Mr de Valera had wen, but the figures showed otherwise. A feature of the proceedings is tlio evident affection of all parties for Mr do Valera. He took his defeat gracefully. He sat smiling. When lie rose later, lie spoke calmly, and without any bitterness. Mr de Valera gave as wide a promise, to help Mr Griffiths as could be expected. Tho division indicates that the Dail Eireann is determined to* defeat every effort to nullify the treaty. After the vote rejecting Mr de Valera’s re-election, Mr Griffiths rose, and said:—“lt is not a vote against Mr de Valera. I want to say here, and now, that there is scarcely a man I ever loved more than him. We want de Valera with us.” Mr de Valera was greeted with shouts: “Up de Valera 1” and all the Deputies sprang to their feet cheering. Replying to the ovation, Mr de Valera said:—“You must regard us as an auxiliary army, whose objective is the complete independence for Ireland. I hope that no one will talk about fratricidal strife. You will want us yet!” The last hours debate became highly confused. Mr de Valera, Mr Griffths, and Mr Collins continually intervened. Mr Michael Collins moved that Mr Arthur Griffith should form a Provision at Irish Executive. The discussion, however,-turned to the custody question of the Dail Eireann funds. Mr Collins promised that all funds sent to the Sinn Fein Executive should be paid hack t-o the subscribers if they had definitely been given for helping to form an Irish Republic. Finally the motion that Mr Griffith should form an Irish Government was adjourned tiß) Tuesday. * j BELFAST STRIFE. i LONDON, Jan 8. I Four persons were wounded during | sectarian fighting in Belfast city. . -j Three bomb outrages occurred in j Belfast during the week-end. One j bomb exploded in Brown’s Square. } A lorry filled with police had a nar- j row ©scape. In jibe other instances j some damage! was 36ne, But no one was I injured.