IRISH PROBLEM.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 September 1921, Page 5

IRISH PROBLEM.

PREMIER’S REPLY.

BASIS OF PROPOSAL. ALLEGIANCE TO THRONE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.— Copyright. London, Sep. 18. Mr. Lloyd George telegraphed to Mr. De Valera as follows: “I received your telegram. I observe it does not modify the claim that your delegates should meet us as representatives of a sovereign independent State. You made no such condition in advance when you came to see me in July. I invited you to meet me as the chosen leader of the great majority of Southern Ireland. From the outset I told you we looked to Ireland to own allegiance to the throne and make her future as a member of the British Commonwealth. That was the basis of our proposals and we cannot alter the status which you now claim in advance for the delegates, and which is in effect a repudiation of thjit basis. lam prepared to meet your delegates, as I met you in July in', the capacity of the chosen spokesman for your people, to discuss the association of Ireland with the British Government. I cannot meet them as the representatives of a sovereign independent State without disloyalty on our part to the throne and Empire. I must therefore repeat that, unless the second paragraph of your letter of the 12th is withdrawn a conference between us is impossible.”

DANGER OF FENCING. CONFERENCE NEEDED. London, Sept. 18. The Central News correspondent states that Dublin has gone through a series of surprises during the past two days, though apparently a deadlock has been reached. Mr. De Valera’s telegram shows that he and his colleagues are most anxious for the conference. In this Mr. De Valera is voicing the known opinion of the Irish nation. He knows that to fence further -with political theories will be to jeopardise the confidence at present reposed in him. The Dail Eireann now knows that any settlement must be within the Empire. It is believed that a compromise regarding Tyrone and Fermanagh will satisfy the opponents of the partition. Mr. Lloyd George’s reply is eagerly awaited.

Official circles in London regard Mr. De Valera’s letter as conciliatory. The Premier’s reply should clear the air. Mr. Lloyd George will not be able to travel for two or three days and no Cabinet meetings will be held until he is much better.