IRISH PEACE.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 June 1921, Page 5

IRISH PEACE.

THE FIRST STEPS. DE VALERA. AND ULSTER A MEETING ARRANGED, Sj Telegraph.—Press Asia.—Copyright, Received June 29, 5.5 p.m. London, June 28. The Ulster Cabinet has consented to a Conference with De Valera. De Valera has written to Mr. Lloyd George stating that before replying to the invitation to a conference he desires to meet Sir James Craig, Lord Middleton, and other representatives of the political minority at the Mansion House, Dublin, on Monday to learn the views of the sections they represent regarding the unity of Ireland. The Daily Telegraph’s Dublin representative states that the only certainty regarding De Valera’s reply is that it will not be a direct acceptance, and the Republicans may attempt a parley. They announce their readiness to meet Mr. Lloyd George, while protesting against his implied denial of their right to speak for all Ireland, and ask for soma indication of his offer, but they regard acceptance of the invitation, as at present couched, as a surrender of their case, and this is expected to be a stumbling block to an immediate conference. It is believed the Government is willing to suspend military action if the Sinn Fein leaders guarantee restraint of their activities, but if De .Valera demands the withdrawal of the Government forces from the south, the Government is expected to treat this as > refusal to parley.—United Service.

' HOPE OF A SETTLEMENT. SPEECH BY MR. CHURCHILL. IRELAND MAY BE RESCUED. Received June 29, 8.45 pin. London, June 28. Mr. Winston Churchill, speaking at the FngHtft-Speaking Union’s luncheon to a delegation from Virginia, said one grave impediment to the growing unity <of English-peaking peoples had long been the condition of Ireland. “We have now reached a time in our history full of tragedy,” he said, “but at the same time* it is sot without a growing light of hope. Another opportunity has been presented for /reland’s rescue from its present terrible position and for the relations between the Empire and Ireland to be placed on an hoconble, free and enduring foundation. We are hopeful that there will be reconciliation between those whoTe fortunes are indelibly intermingled, but who have had many long and bitter disagreements.”—Aus. -N.Z. Cable Assn.