The Daily News. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1921. RECONCILIATION EFFORTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 September 1921, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1921. RECONCILIATION EFFORTS.

In spite of [the truce, Belfast has been the scene of militant turmoil and bloodshed that threatens to wreck the peace movement the consummation of which is so earnestly desired. No good purpose can be served by hysterical denunciation of outrages which indicate the intense tension existing in Ireland, nor is it desirable to speculate as to who is to, blame. Probably there has been provocation on both sides, though this does not exculpate those who have been destroying life ruthlessly. Rather is it desirably to fix attention on those efforts at reconciliation which are directed towards making a new era for Ireland. In his reply to the address from the Convocation of Canterbury, King George expressed a timely prayer, “with a full heart,” that the union and reconciliation of the Irish people may be consummated by the deliberations that are now proceeding. That prayer will be eehoed throughout the Empire. Simultaneously General Smuts, in dealing with the Irish question at the civic reception accorded to him at Capetown, on his return from England, explained not only the motives which actuated his efforts towards reconciliation, but the conditions on which he consented to undertake the difficult

role of mediator. His chief motive was, undoubtedly, the desire to see the Irish people enjoying the blessings of peace and contentment, hnd to put an end to the •‘horrible situation” by bringing to bear thereon his “peculiar experience acquired during many bitter .years in the history of South Africa.” The conditions be imposed fully demonstrate that he was aware of the delicate nature of the task. Firstly, he would

only act at the invitation of the Irish leader, and, secondly, his position must be one of perfect independence as a third party, unconnected with the British Government. In this attitude he displayed that far-seeing wisdom and practical statesmanship that have made him one of the grand pillars of the Empire. He bridged the gap that had theretofore prevented those direct negotiations whereby alone it was possible to create a starting point on a Dominion basis. It is well worth while noting that, although General Smuts realises that a difficult stage has been reached, he considers the outlook is by no means hopeless, and that what has been done has not been a failure. He considers there is a new atmosphere in Ireland, but that it will take time and perseverance to accomplish the end in, view, though he is convinced that matters are on the right road. In view of the demands made by Sinn Fein, and of the events transpiring in Ulster, it is not easy to share in General Smuts’ optimism. At the same time the conclusions he draws are justified. It is a pity that the correspondents of London newspapers give expression to violent language. The want of a sympathetic comprehension of the peculiar factors in this Irish problem is much to be deprecated. The dominant need is reconciliation, and it is obvious this cannot be achieved except by patience, wisdom and exceptional forbearance. Notwithstanding the extreme demands made by the Irish leaders, there are still avenues open for further negotiations, and until the last of ,these is closed there should be no losing heart over the ultimate triumph of reason. General Smuts takes entirely the right view of the situation, as is only natural after his bitter experience of similar troubles in South Africa. It is exceptionally difficult to convince the Irish people that Great Britain and the rest' of the Empire are honestly desirous of composing the oldstanding troubles affecting Ireland and bringing about a permanent reconciliation in such a way as will be just and yet leave Ireland to manage her own affairs. Unfortunately Ulster presents serious complications, and it is the fear of a possible conflict arising there in the future, possibly involving British intervention, that operates adversely to a solution of <the problem. The present turmoil in' that part of Ireland illustrates and emphasises this view. At the same time there exists no insuperable barrier to a satisfactory agreement, being reached on terms which the whole civilised wnrld approves!