ROAD TO PEACE

Taranaki Daily News, 20 December 1920, Page 5

ROAD TO PEACE

SINN FEIN BARS WAY.

WANTS REPUBLIC RMUGNTSED,

. PREMIER'S FIRM REFUTAL", By Telegraph.—Press Assn.— Copyrijht. Received Dec. 19, 11 p.m. London, Dec. 18. Father O'Flannaghan has telegraphed to Mr. Lloyd George:—"While sending a message of peace and goodwill to Ireland, the Government has intensified its fiendish attacks on our lives, liberties, and property. How hollow your fair words read in the newspapers sandwiched between the burning of Cork and the murder of Magner and Crowley. If you really wish peace allow the constitution adopted by the Irish people at the last general election to perform its legitimate functions, and acts of violence will soon become rare in Ireland, as in any of the most peaceful nations of the world. Then arrange the terms of the treaty by direct negotiations with 'the head of the Irish nation, President De Valera. This is the only possible road to reconciliation, which is vital to the interests of both nations."

Mr. Lloyd George replied as follows: <; I had hoped, with moderation and commonsense on both sides, that it would have been possible to reach an understanding which would stop strife in Ireland and pave the way to reconciliation. You now imply that, in your jiragment, the only road to reconciliation is the recognition of a Republic, and the negotiation of a treaty with fiomeone you designate as the official head and president. I never- failed to make it clear that there was no possible settlement as long as Sinn join demands a Republic, and that though I am willing to explore every avenue towards an honorable constitutional settlement there is no road to peace as long as Sinn Fein persists in trying to compel aup settlement by means of assassination and violence. The only way to peace is that the Sinn Fein leaders should recognise the so fundamental facts- that their present policy in only leading Ireland nearer chaos and ruin. I deeply regret you should close the'door on the counsels of goodwill which you invoked at the beginning of this cor-respondence."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.