IRISH PEACE.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 July 1921, Page 5

IRISH PEACE.

SMUTS NOT HOPEFUL, r Mum DEMAND FOR A REPUBLIC* EXTREMISTS IN CONTROL. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received July 8, 8.5 p.m. London, July 7. The King received General Smuts in audience and General Smuts reported on the result of his recent visit to Ireland. It is understood that General Smuts is not too hopeful, believing that the extremists hold sway, and will refuse to recede from their demand for a republic. They do not appear anxious to find e. middle course.

Replying to a question in the House of Commons, Mr. Lloyd George said he understood General Smuts went to Ireland at De Valera’s invitation. He did not know whether any other Dominion Premiers intended to visit Ireland, but they would not attend the conference between the Sinn Fein leaders and Sir James Craig.—Aua.sN-Z. Cable Aesn.

FORECAST OF SETTLEMENT. REPUBLIC TO BE REFUSED. THE DOMINION SYSTEM. London, July 7. The Daily Express states that when the Southern Unionists return to Ireland they will be able to indicate vaguely the Government intentions. De Valera cannot have a republic or a united Ireland. A possible line of settlement is believed to be the establishment of two Dominion Governments in Ireland, with the implied reconsideration of the Imperial contributions, which the Home Rule Act fixes at £18,000,000.

General Smuts, speaking in London, said the Ireland question affected the whole Empire. He believed that, given a better atmosphere, it was a problem that could be salved. The same problem was solved in South Africa by large wisdom, forbearance and give-and-take.

The Sinn Fein Bulletin states that the rest of Ireland is not hostile to the north-east. We offer more generous terms and a more dignified Legislature than Mr. Lloyd George has given, conditionally on the north-east not being allowed to be used as a bridgehead for the conquest and subjection of the rest of Ireland.