IRELAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 July 1921, Page 5

IRELAND.

HOPES FOR PEACES PROFOUND RELIEF IN IRELAND. “FROM SHADOW TO SUNLIGHT.” HARD TO J4ESUME HOSTILITIES, By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright, Received July 11, 10.25 p.m. London, July 10. A widespread hope exists that De Valera’s visit to London will result in peace. The Dublin correspondent of the Times states that only those living through the past terror cau realise the profound relief and thankfulness with which all parties and creeds welcomed the truce. Saturday was a day of thankfulness and the political atmosphere was reflected it? the looks and voices of the people who moved and talked freely and gaily, for the cloud of fear and depression had been lifted. Although further scattered crimes have been reported the truce anticipated in forty-eight hours is unanimously welcomed and generously observed. The Press is delighted. The, Irish Times voices the Southern Unionists’ gratitude for the sudden and blessed change from shadow to sunlight. The first and oest thanks are duo to His Majesty for his Belfast speech—one of the greatest services the Throne ever rendered the State. Public opinion is that it is a hard task to make a truce, but it will be harder still to break. For this reason Irishmen are not disposed to criticise the actual terms, refusing to believe that hostilities will be resumed. It is generally believed that the republican leaders* are able to enforce the truce, though occasional violences may perhaps be committed. There is much comment on Downing Street’s use of the word “hostilities”, as implying recognition of the belligerent status of the republican army. This is likely to have important consequences in the negotiations, It also imposes the duty on the republicans to carry out the truce according to the strict standards of civilised warfare.—Times Service. PRAYERS FOR PEACE. WHILE TERRORISM CONTINUES. WARFARE IN BELFAST. Received July 11, 6.5 p.m. London, July 11. Popular interest continues in the Irish peace negotiations. Praying queues are not only seen in Dublin and Cork, but also in the churches of the poor London districts, where humble folk crowded all day on Sunday praying earnestly. Abundant evidence accrues that the truce is making pathetic appeals to the sympathies of the common people. " Meanwhile, the turbulent elements continue warfare in Belfast, where the day’s deaths total nine, while more than a hundred wounded were sent to hospital. The situation is rapidly becoming worse and the infantry has been ordered to turn out. An outbreak occurred in Cork, where a young boy was killed. The body of a chaifeur, labelled “convicted as a spy” was found near Cashel. Two brothers, fanners, were shot by masked men at Roscommon.— Aus.-NIZ. Cable Assn. London, July 10.

A Belfast communique states that a tender containing a police patrol was fired on this morning. Constable Conlan was killed and two men dangerously wounded. The Crown forces killed Thomas Russell, at Inagh, for not halting whm challenged. During curfew on Saturday an attack was made on the police in the Sian Fein district of West Belfast. Several constables were wounded and one was killed. When police reinforcements arrived the assailants retreated to houses, whence they sniped from the house-tops. The trouble continued on Sunday, when Royalist and Sinn Fein mobs had a collision. During the afternoon an armoured car got between the combatants and opened fire. A number were killed and wounded, including an unidentified boy, aged 13. THE CONFERENCE. MAY OPEN TO-MORROW. London, July 10. Wednesday will probably be tire date of the meeting between Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. De Valera. It is understood Mr. Michael Collins accompanies Mr. De Valera. General Smuts will probably be deputy-chair-man. Mr. Lloyd George has written to Mr. De Valera: —“I received your letter of acceptance, and will be happy to see you and any of your colleagues you wish to bring to Downing Street any day.”—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RECRUITING CLOSED DOWN. London, July 10. Four persons were killed in Belfast rioting last night. This evening the Government closed down recruiting for the Royal Constabulary, which has been very brisk since the demobilisation of the defence forces. The order also applied to the auxiliary police.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. LLOYD GEORGE’S STATESMANSHIP. Berlin, July 10. The papers devote considerable space to the Irish truce, and are unanimous in high praise of Mt. Lloyd George’s states-manship.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.