SINN FEIN’S ANSWER.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 August 1921, Page 5

SINN FEIN’S ANSWER.

REPLY FROM DE VALERA.

NO DETAILS DIVULGED. HOPEFUL VIEW TA KF. NT By Talegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, August 11. Mr. Austen Chamberlain announced that De Valera’s reply to the Government’s proposals had been forwarded to Mr. Lloyd George. It is understood that the nature of De Valera’s reply will not be divulged until Mr. Lloyd George makes an announcement in the House of Commons on Monday or Tuesday. The reply came with unexpected suddenness, following on De Valera’s conference with Collins. The manner of its coming leads the best-informed authorities to take a most hopeful view of its purport.

CABINET MEETS TO-DAY. GUESSES AT THE REPLY. REPORT OF DRASTIC DEMAND. GENERAL AMNESTY WANTED. Received August 12, 5.5 p.m. London. August 12. Cabinet meets on Saturday to discuss De Valera’s reply, which is variously stated, on the one hand, to contain nothing calling Mr. Lloyd George urgently to London and. on the other hand, that De Valera demands a complete amnesty for the three thousand Sinn Ferners now detained, which is a matter of the gravest importance, necessitating Mr. Lloyd George’s presence in London.

The Daily Chronicle’s lobbyist says Sinn Fein regards the Government's offer as generous, which should form the basis of further negotiations.—Aus.-N.Z. Üble Assn.

SETTLEMENT COMING. SAYS A SINN FEIN LEADER. FINAL AGREEMENT DELAYED. .PROPOSALS TO BE ACCEPTED. Received August 12, 7.5 p.m. London, August 11. The Star interviewed Macartney, an intimate friend of Collins and other Sinn Fein leaders. When asked: “Is a settlement coming?” Macartney replied: “Of course Dublin ha? no doubt about it, nor has De Valera, Collins or any other of the leaders.” Macartney does, • not expect a final settlement before the spring, but Sinn Feiners are going to accept Mr. Lloyd George's proposals with certain reservations. The leaders recognise that the proposals are most generous, affording a basis for further negotiations. Macartney anticipated that when the proposals are disclosed they will cause a great cry from one wing of the British Unionists. They are practically identical with what the British Government submitted to Sinn Fein two years ago. Mr. Lloyd'George’s plan was to give the north and south control of the militia, but federal regiments would co-exist in each province. Sinn Fein would prefer separation, but De Valera and Collins know that they must be content with less.—United Serliee.

MEETING GF DAIL ETREANN. GATHERING OF MEMBERS. London, August 11. The Dail Eireann has summoned Messrs. O’Ceallaigh, Gavin, Duffy and Boland, its representatives in Paris, Rome, and Washington respectively, to attend a meeting of the Dail Eireann. The British Government has undertaken to issue passports and grant facilities for their home-coming. Messrs. De Valera and Collins conferred at the Mansion House, but did net issue a statement. Mr. McKeon, and other provincial members of the Dail Eireann have gone to their homes and will return to Dublin next week.