IRISH PEACE?

Taranaki Daily News, 5 January 1921, Page 5

IRISH PEACE?

HOPES NOT VANISHED. MEDIATION NEGOTIATIONS. QUESTION OF POLICE CONTROL. 4y Telegraph-—Press Assn —Copyright. London, Jan. 3. A statement has been made that, the Government telegraphed to Bishop Chine asking him to postpone his return to Australia. It is expected that Bishop Clune will comply. Mr. Lloyd George believes that the position is ripe for further mediation in a few days, and regards Bishop Clune as a valuable mediary. It is said that the new negotiations will be based upon the unquestioned weakening of the Sinn Fein organs and the growing strength of moderate opinion. In South Ireland, it is believed, a great majority would accept the new Home Rule Act, and the Sinn Feiners agree, with a face-saving clause. They wish this to be the control of the police. Mr. Lloyd George is at present op* posed to this, but may accept if victimisation is guarded against. The most important forces in Ireland and England are working for this object, hence Sir Hamar Greenwood’s optimism. The Sinn Feinera are short of funds, and have issued a stern warning to the tax collectors to hasten collections. Constant disruption at the Sinn Fein headquarters has also weakened the organisation.

There are sufficient candidates in South Ireland to make the working of the Southern Par Hana ent under Home Rule a success. This would place Sinn Fein in an awkward position. If it boycotts the election it will find Ireland governed by Irishmen of moderate opinion. Ireland hopes that Sinn Feiners will now be persuaded to give up the idea of a Republic. Ulster is willing to hold elections in the north, and those south would be held on the same day. Received Jan. 4, 8.30 p.m. London, Jan. 4.

The Daily News states that Archbishop Chine, believing the hope of a peaceful settlement had vanished, had applied for passports to Perth, and the Premier, hearing of this, sent a message post haste asking Archbishop Clune to return to Ireland to continue his good work. The report is construedi to mean that the hopes of peace have not vanished. It is added that the work of Archbishop Clune had performed more than outsiders supposed.— Aus. and N.Z Cable Assn.

RETURN OF DE VALERA, NO PEACE NEGOTIATIONS Received Jan. 4, 10.45 p.m. New York, Jan. 3. Mr. Boland, De Valera’s private secretary, in the course of a statement, says De Valera returned contrary to the Dail Ereann's advice, and has no intention to communicate with the Brittish Government. It was at first reported the Dail Ereann desired De Valera to remain in America to continue' the agitation for Ireland’s recognition by Mr. Harding’s administration. —Aus.-N-Z. Cable Assn. CURATE SENT TO GAOL. OFFICER CHARGED WITH MURDER. Received Jan. 4, 5.5 p.m. London, Jan. 3. Delahurty, a Catholic curate, of Callan, Kilkenny, was court-martialled for being in possession of seditious documents, and Was sentenced to two years’ hard labor. Three military officers have been detained for murdering Leonard, a school attendance officer, at Bailybrook, on Thursday. Two wer later, but the third, who is ; captain, is held on the capital charge. —Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn. .ARRESTS AT LIVERPOOL. A NUN’S GRAVE OPENED. Received aJn. 4, 8.30 p.m. London, Jan. 4. Liverpool police seeking for Sinn Ferners led to the discovery of a quantity of explosives in a house at Edge Hill The police arrested a /ather and son* The military, after searching a convent at Rangelah, County Dublin, opened the grave of a nun buried in December. The reason is not divulged.—Aus.* N-Z. Cable Assn. CONSTABLE SHOT AT SALFORD. London, Jan. 3. A constable was shot at Salford on Sunday night, and large warehouse* were set on fire on Saturday. Both outrages are attributed to Sinn Feiners.—