SINN FEIN’S REPLY.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 August 1921, Page 5

SINN FEIN’S REPLY.

EXPECTED THIS WEEK. REFERENDUM LIKELY. ISSUE TO THE PEOPLE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.— Copyright Received August 21, 5.5 p.m. London, August 18. De Valera and several colleagues, as members of a house party, are spending the week-end on the outskirts of Dublin, drafting the Dail Eireann’s reply to the British offer, which will be submitted to a Mansion House conference on Monday and discussed at a private session. It is considered the reply will be read in public on Tuesday or Wednesday for formal approval, and will then be sent to London. Mr. Lloyd George has appointed a Cabinet Committee to act in an advisory capacity to Sir Ham ar Greenwood (Chief Secretary for Ireland) in any emergency. It is believed the Dail Eireann’s reply will ask for definitions and guarantees to enable a clear issue to be put before the Irish people, who will be asked to decide by a referendum. DUBLIN PRESS VIEWS. STILL GROUND FOR HOPE. FEAR OF FURTHER CONFLICT.

Received August 21, 11.5 p.m. London, August 20. The Dublin newspapers are impressed with the new’ situation arising out of Mr. Lloyd George’s speech. The Irish Independent says: ‘‘Though Mr. Lloyd George affirms that the basis of his terms cannot be altered, he admits there are questions which may need ex- ’ planation, elucidation or elaboration. Ireland will rely upon her leaders to obtain the best possible terms from the British Government. The renewal of hostilities would be, to say the least, a grave disappointment.” The Irish Times says: “During the present week De Valera has shown the mind of an idealogue, but now’ that the crisis is reduced to its elements we beseech him to show the mind of a warm-blooded man of affairs. We beseech the Dail Eireann to be guided by common-sense,—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

CONFLICTING OPINIONS. ON PROSPECTS OF PEACE. Received August 21, 11.45 p.m. London, August 21. The newspapers publish conflicting reports regarding the prospects of a settlement of the Irish question. The Sunday Times’ political correspondent states Downing Street regards the outlook as distinctly unfavorable, believing that the Dail Eireann’s pronouncement will echo De Valera's defiance. It is believed De Valera, Griffiths and Collins would accept a Dominion status, but will not recommend it to their followers for fear of incurring the reproach that they were betraying Irish ideals. The same paper’s Dublin correspondent says optimism prevails in Dublin regarding a settlement, as Mr. Lloyd George’s speech at the rising of Parliament indicates a genuine desire for peace and willingness to go far in t'he negotiations on details. Further, tremendous pressure is being exerted on the, Irish leaders from the Irish in America and the Dominions to accept an honorable settlement. The leaders are daily receiving dozens of cables warning them that they will alienate public opinion throughout the world if they adopt an unreasonable attitude.—Aus.-N.Z’. Cable Assn.