IRELAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 May 1921, Page 6

IRELAND.

CRAIG - DE VALERA CONFERENCE.

APPROVED BY UNIONISTS.

By Telegraph.—Press Assn —Copyright. London, May 6. Sir James Craig’s meeting with Mr. De Valera led to reports of New Irish peace developments. The Standard states the reports are momentous. A conference will be held at London during the week-end under the presidency of a notable English ecclesiastic. It is expected that representatives of both the English and Irish hierarchy will attend, including possibly Archbishop Bourne, also that Mr. De Valera will arrive in London to-mor-row to participate in the conference.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

London, May 6. The Unionist newspapers of Belfast approve Sir James Craig’s action in meeting De Valera. The meeting occurred in a house far from Dublin. Sir James Craig was unarmed and unattended. Sir James Craig disclosed the result of the meeting with De Valera to Ulster Unionists in camera. They resolved that Ulster would not make further concessions, having accepted the Home Rule Act. Sir James Craig publicly explains that De Valera approached him and suggested their meeting. ULSTER’S ATTITUDE. London, May G. It is authoritatively stated in Dublin that there are no negotiations on foot as a result of the Sir James Craig and Mr. De Valera meeting. Ulster’s attitude is that if the South wants peace she must honestly work for a Southern Parliament.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BRIDGING THE GAP. London, May 6. The Dublin correspondent of the Times stresses the importance of the Craig - De Valera overtures. He isays it is good news that the gap between North and South is bridged even for half an hour, and indicates a genuine desire for peace. The immense difficulties are, however, recognised. Mr. Michael Collins is the most powerful man in Sinn Fein. He controls the men with the guns, an organised army of young men who are fighting what has become a religious war with a passionate love of their cause. Mr. Collins scoffs at peace.