NEARER PEACE.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 July 1921, Page 5

NEARER PEACE.

TRUCE IN IRELAND, HOSTILITIES CEASE TO-DAY. DE VALERA GOING TO LONDON. MEETING WITH MB. LLOYD GEORGE By T«l«graph.—Press Aiuc.—Copyright. Received July 10, 5.5 p.m. London, July S. Official.—Arrangements have been made for hostilities to cease in Ireland at noon on Monday. This arrangement is in consequence of the following correspondence. Mr. Lloyd George, writing to Lord Midleton (the Unionist leader of South Ireland) on July 7, said*. “The Government fully realise that it is impossible to conduct negotiations with any hope of satisfactory results if there is bloodshed and violence in Ireland; it would disturb the atmosphere and make the attainment of peace difficult. As soon as 1 hear that De Valera is prepared to enter a conference with the British Government, and has given instructions to those under his control to cease acts of violence, we shall give instructions <:o lhe troropu and the police to cease their activities and. operations against those engaged, in unfortunate con- ’ flict.”

De Valera replied: “The desire you express on the part of the British Government to end the centuries of conflict between ihe two peoples of the two islands, and establish relations of neighborly harmony, is the genuine desire oi the people of Ireland. I consulted my colleagues and secured the views of the representatives of the minority of our nation in regard to the invitation you sent, and I desire to say that I am ready to meet yon to discuss on what basis such a conference as that proposed can reasonably hope to achieve the object, desired.”—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn,

DE VALERA’S OFFER.

AUTONOMY FOR ULSTER. PEACE PROSPECTS DISCUSSED. London, July 8, If the British Government desires a peaceful solution based on right and justice they will find no lack of goodwill on the part of the Irish people. This is the substance of an important statement by De Valera. De Valera added that the Republic ie prepared to give north-east Ulster such autonomy as they desire and w just. He denied that there was an irreconcilable element among Sinn Fein, Neither has there been even a slight difference of opinion on policy among members of Dail Eireann. There was nothing in the republican constitution preventing new proposals from Great Britain with regard to political relations being put before the Irish people. A lobbyist at the conference to-day supplied De Valera with the information he required. Indications, which are admittedly vague, from Government quarters, show that Lord Midleton will intimate the lines of settlement. They muat harmonise with the Act establishing a Parliament in Belfast. It is expected De Valera will reply with a counter-proposal. The question of an intermediary smoothing the path is again mooted in some quarters. Everywhere men are looking for a cign of tetter times. A truce, official or unofficial, would provide a clear sign. Significance is attached to General Smuts’ non-return from Dublin. Sir J. Craig reported that he is resolute to retain the present Ulster Parliament. The question therefore arises whether the north will accept De Valera’s offer of autonomy for Ulster as a gift from the Irish majority. Even if the present vagueness crystallises into a satisfactory form it is feared by some, that the offer may eventually revolve, if negotiations proceed so far, into autonomy as part of an independent Ireland, Continuance of scattered sporadic killings is not improving the situation. Assuming the present conference ensures this valuable advance towards peace which has been Tnede, conservative circles suggest the granting of an armistice could be a recognition of a republic. Yet other inspired statements indicate a practical truce arrangement without a formal armistice. —United Service.

KING SEES SIR J. CRAIG. CONFERENCE WITH SOUTH UNIONISTS. Received July 10, 5.5 p.m. London, July 8. The King gave an audience to Sir James Craig (Premier of Northern Ireland). Sinn Feiners and Southern Unionists have resumed their conference at Dublin. The crowd outside knelt in the streets and recited “The Rosary” for the conference’s success. General Sir Nevil Macready attended Dublin Mansion House and had a conference with De Valera later.