IRELAND’S CHOICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 August 1921, Page 5

IRELAND’S CHOICE.

PEOPLE WANT PEACE. KEEPING THE DOOR OPEN. REPLY TO BE DELAYED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—copyright. Received August 22, 8.10 p.m. London, August 22. All the special correspondents in Dublin anticipate the Dail Eireann’s rejection of the Government’s proposals, but agree that an overwhelming majority of the people want another road to peace to be found either by a plebiscite or alternative proposals. They are unanimously of opinion that the door to peace is not likely to be finally slammed. The Daily News’ special correspondent says the Dail Eirann’s reply will possibly be debated for days; the longer the better. The tendency now is to frown upon any attempt to check tne executive. In face of the Government’s renewed threats of force, it would be easier for Ireland to bow to an imposed settlement on Dominion lines than voluntarily to accept Empire partnership under the menace of annihilation in the event of refusal. Every suggestion of further coercion strengthens the “diehards,” and on the other hand every suggestion that England desires to deal with Ireland simply on the principles of national right strengthens the peace group.

The Daily Express’ Dublin correspondent points out that one of Boland’s statements is not calculated to help towards peace. He says Boland declared that the United States favors Ireland becoming a separate nation, and added that if hostilities were re-started and a kind of forei|gn government formed in Ireland, many Americans would come over willingly to fight for her. The Irish Times beseeches De Valera to realise that the most exalted patriotism can be consistent with practical statesmanship, and, above all, to appreciate his most appalling responsibilities to the Irish nation. The paper adds: “We feel sure we are speaking on behalf of the mass of Irishmen when we invite the Dail Eireann to think more of the material benefits the Government is offering and less of the mainly theoretical powers it withholds.” AN ENVOY'S CLAIM. AS TO IRISH INFLUENCE. London, August 21. Mr. Boland, Sinn Fein envoy at Washington, called on De Valera. Mr. Boland, interviewed, said he believed Irish influence was responsible for America’s rejection of the Versailles Treaty and for her making a separate : peace with Germany.