IRELAND'S TRAGEDY

Taranaki Daily News, 16 August 1921, Page 5

IRELAND'S TRAGEDY

A SET-BACK TO PEACE BRITAIN’S TERMS REJECTED DEMAND FOR SECESSION The negotiations aiming at a settlement of the Irish question have received a serious setback. Sinn Fein's answer to Britain’s offer is regarded as tantamount to a refusal. Britain’s proposal was that Ireland should assume the status of a Dominion, embracing the privileges of the selfgoverning Dominions. Six conditions, mostly relating to defence, are imposed—conditions which Britain regards as vital to the welfare and safety of Britain and Ireland. In reply, De Vallera (the Sinn Fein leader) says “the British proposals are sueh as the Dail Eireann could not and the Irish would not accept.” De Valera demands the secession of Ireland from Great Britain and that issues unsettled should be referred to arbitration, bringing a third party in. In. his final reply the British Prime Minister emphasises that the claim of Ireland's right to secede from allegiance to the King can never be acknowledged, and arbitration by a foreign Power is definitely rejected. Mr. Lloyd George adds that Britain is not prepared to make any further concessions.