THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 January 1923, Page 3

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

HOPE Ilf NEGOTIATIONS. .mi'Mi SKitvn.'.u iKi.no u.vxs (Received this day at 9.30 a. n.) LONDON. January 2. ■file “Daily .Mail's” Dublin correspondent reports that peace negotiations between Government and n section of the Republicans may nsnlt in surprisffig (levelopnients dining the week. The name of l)an Breen a noted Republican leader in Cork, is | roniiiicntlv mentioned in the negotiations. The negotiations may cause a split in the Republican ranks. Government, while adhering to the previous decisions may possibly make slight concessions with regard to the surrender of arms. If the negotiations Fail, they will at least have indicated that a desire for peace is operating in many quarters. De Valera's organ “The Bulletin” s _ says “We will never he lured into peace by an offer of employment in the shape of Government.” \ f A PEACE MOVE. UNITED SERVICE TEOEORAMP fßeceived this dnv at 9.30 a.to.') LONDON, Jan 2. The “Daily Afnil‘s” Dublin correspondent learns officially that important pence negotiations have begun between the Government and the breakaway .section of the Republicans. EXITED IRELAND. ARCHBISHOP O’SHEA’S IMPRESSIONS. WELLINGTON. Doe. 23. Archbishop O'Shea, who returned today from a tour which included Ireland, is quite optimistic regarding the prospects lor a united Ireland, and quite outspoken in his criticism of the irregulars. Competent judges, he said, held that 95 per cent of the population supported the new Government, which was making courageous efforts to overcome great difficulties. The irregulars are commanded by a few sincere if misguided men, hut their rank and file are made up of people who are not patriots at all hut Miockers and looters, who dill nothing for [re I a lid in its fight for liberty. “To mv mind,” he said, “ there is no doubt .• that they are making war. on the people of Ireland and they deserve neither sympathy nor encouragement." They had said openly that some at least of their destructive work, such as the burning of Cork, the blowing up of bridges and the bloekingg of roads, was intended to punish the people for voting against a republic at the last election. ••The h’rec State Government, after much patience and forbearance in the beninning, is now determined that the rule of the revolver shall not prevail over the will of the vast majority of the nation, and no believer in the lie-, eessity of law and order can blame it. I I'eel certain this Government will triumph, anil furthermore its victory will bring about very speedily a united Belaud. The counties at present attached to the Belfast- Government must throw in their lot with the rest of Ireland for political and economical . reasons, and I have been assured by prominent northerners, as well as by p- online lit southerners, that one Government for all Ireland is a foregone conclusion in the near future.”