A SURPRISE MOVE.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 September 1921, Page 5

A SURPRISE MOVE.

IS IT FINAL REJECTION? HOPEFUL FEELING IN DUBLIN. Received Sept. 16, 5.5 p.m. London, Sept. 16. The developments in the Irish situation surprised the newspapers and political circles. Some newspapers regard Mr, De Valera’s letter as the final rejection of the Government’s offer, but, believing that the Irish people overwhelmingly favor its acceptance, they suggest that a plebiscite be taken.

It is pointed out that the Dail Eireann was elected before the British offer was made, and therefore it has no mandate to reject the offer. Irish opinion, expressed in Sinn Fein newspapers, strongly advocated acceptance throughout the negotiations. Reports from Dublin are hopeful. It is pointed out that Mr. De Valera’s letter does not definitely lay down that acceptance of the claim to sovereign independence must precede the conference. Dublin opinion believes that Mr. Lloyd George will find a way out, as he is too astute to allow Sinn Fein to place upon him the responsibility for closing the door on peace. The Dail Eireann’s appointment of plenipotentiaries to attend the conference before Mr. Lloyd George received the letter is regarded as a clever move to show that Sinn Fein is not responsible for the rupture of negotiations. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.