THE IRISH SETTLEMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2366, 10 December 1921, Page 2

THE IRISH SETTLEMENT.

TREATY REJECTED BY SINN FEIN PRESIDENT.

London, Dee. 8. De Valera has rejected the Peace Terms.

De Valera issued the following manifesto to the Irish people:— “The terms of the agreement are in violent conflict with the wishes of the majority of the Irish people as expressed freely at successive elections during the past three years. I feel it my duty to inform you immediately that I cannot,recommend acceptance of this treaty, either to Dail Eirennn or to the country. In this attitude I am supported by the Minister for Home Affairs and Defence. A public meeting of the Dail Eireann has been summoned for Wednesday. I ask the people to maintain, during the interval, the same discipline as hitherto. The Cabinet, though divided, is prepared to carry on the public services. The army is not affected by the political situation. The great test of our people has J come. Let us face if worthilv without recrimination.”

THE CABINET MEETING-

POSITION UNCERTAIN

London, Dee. 9,

De Valera’s manifesto was the sequel to a Cabinet meeting lasting seven hours. The actual position is uncertain. It is possible de Valera aqd the two others may resign, leaving the remainder of the Cabinet to carry out the treaty. The Minister of Defence in the Daij Eireann Executive is Cathal Bnrgha, and the Home Minister Austin Stack.

Tt is reported that at the Cabinet meeting Messrs Griffiths, Barton, Cosgrove, and Collins voted for the acceptance of the terms.

A DELEGATE’S MANIFESTO.

London, Dec. 9,

Air Griffiths, in a manifesto, says

“I signed the treaty between Ireland and Britain in the belief that the treaty would lay the foundation of peace and friendship between the two nations. What I signed I shall ’tend by. I believe that the end of the conflict of centuries is at hand.”.

Mi' Lloyd George sent a message to a Coalition Liberal dinner at the Manchester Reform Club, saving: “Tell my Liberal friends that despite discouragement and criticism I am still doing my best, in the way which appears fo me to be most practicable, to secure for our beloved country the blessings of a real peace. I am sure the Manchester Liberals will not grudge expressing appreciation and gratitude to our Conservative colleagues, whose conspicuous patriotism has made it possible for a Liberal Prime Minister, acting for no party, but in the interests of the nation, to make Ireland this great offer of reconciliation, which we all pray will reestablish a lasting peace.”

PULLING THE STRINGS

London, Dee. !). The Australian Press Association understands that there is the gravest reason to suspect that Mr Arthur O’Brien is pulling the strings against any settlement which does not mean a separation. It is well known that he has strong supporters, including many of the younger Irish Catholic priests, who are directing a propaganda among the young men; including English Catholic's, in their parishes. At the same time, there is no doubt that the great hulk of the Irish in this country desire peace, and welcomed the terms. Advices from Ireland indicate that there is a similar attitude amongsl the rank and file of tlm people. The prompt release of the 5,000 prisoners is regarded everywhere as overwhelming evidence of the British good faith.