SEEKING PEACE.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 October 1921, Page 5

SEEKING PEACE.

MEETING WITH SINN FEIN. ASKED TO CONFERENCE. BRITAIN'S TERMS STAND. The outlook in Ireland is brighter. The British Premier has invited Sinn Fein delegates to a conference in London on October 11, and this new move has filled Dublin with new hope. Britain’s terms remain unaltered, but an endeavor is being made to explore every means leading to a settlement. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Sept. 29. Official: The Premier has invited the Sinn Fein delegates to a conference in Lcndon on October 11 to ascertairt how the association of Ireland with the British Empire may best be reconciled with Irish aspirations. Mr. Lloyd George, replying to Mr. De Valera, says:—“The Government have given the closest and most earnest consideration to your correspondence. In spite of the more conciliatory tone of your last communication, they cannot enter a conference upon the basis of this correspondence. “Notwithstanding your personal assurance to the contrary, which they much appreciate, it might be argued in future that the acceptance of a conference on this basis had involved them in a recognition which no British Government can afford. On this point they must guard themselves against any possible doubt. There is no purpose to be served by any further interchange or argumentative communications upon the subject-

“The position taken up by the Government is fundamental to the existence of the British Empire, and we cannot alter it. My colleagues and. I remain, however, keenly anxious to make, in cooperation with your delegates, another determined effort to explore every possibility of settlement by personal discussion.

“The proposals which we have already made have been taken up by the whole world as proof that our endeavors for reconciliation and settlement are no empty form. We feel that conference, not correspondence, is the most practical and most helpful way to an understanding such as we ardently desire to achieve. We, therefore, send a fresh invitation to confer in London on October 11, when we can meet your delegates as spoilsmen for the people whom you represent with the view of ascertaining how the association of Ireland with the community of nations known as the British Empire may best be reconciled with Irish national aspirations.”

DUBLIN VERY HOPEFUL. MEETING OF THE DAIL EIRE ANN. Received Sept. 30, SJ? p.m. London, Sept. 29. The Dail Eireann meets on Friday to consider its reply. There is optimism in Dublin, the public, and even Sinn Fein leaders considering the way is now open for a conference. Dublin ia more hopeful than it has been for many days. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. OPINION IN AMERICA. BRITISH OFFER .APPROVED. Received Sept. 30, 10 p.m. New York, Sept. 29. The New, York Times editorially says: “The Irish situation demands a conference, not further correspondence. Mr. Lloyd George, in the language which he now uses, has built an inviting bridge for Mr. De Valera and h : s colleagues, and reasonable Irishmen cannot ask for more. Even if they put the matter to a test and fail they would be no worse off than before, ( but if they refuse to discuss matters with the English because of shadowy technicalities they would be plunging the country back into war for the sake of a mere form of words.”—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Received Sept. 30, 10 p.m. Ottawa, Sept. 50. The Montreal Gazette editorially remarks: “The most vindictive critics of Mr. Lloyd George’s methods must agree that no stone has been left unturned by him in his desire to meet the wish of those representing the Dail Eireann. There is no sympathy anywhere with the dilly-dallying policy, evasion and procrastination which have been the uppermost feature in the exchange of Notes. If Ireland wants peace Ireland can have peace.”—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. •