IRISH PEACE.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 October 1921, Page 5

IRISH PEACE.

LONDON CONFERENCE. A CRITICAL PERIOD. EXPECTED THIS WEEK. By Telegraph.—Press Assn—Copyright. Received Oct. 17, 5.5 p.m. London. Oct. 17. Dublin believes that the Irish peace ronference wil’ reach a critical stage ?arly in the week and regarus as significant the London mission of Sean ifiloy. Sinn Fein member in the Uliter ' Parliament for Tyrone and Fermanagh. which is the most difficult factor in a settlement. He called to confer with the Sinn Fein delegation. London. Oct. 15. A curious statement is made by the Ju bl in correspondent of the Westminner Gazette, who says that uniforms lave been ordered in Dublin for a com>any of the Irish Republican Army ahich it is being arranged shall go to .ondon to escort the Irish delegates lack when the negotiations are conclud’d. It appears to be accepted that yeace terms will be reached. London. Oct. 16. Mr. Stephen Gwynn, formerly Na* : ion* list member for Galway, writes to he • observer that he is not sure the Da il Eireann delegates can. consistentv with their position, accept any terms ;*he British Government can offer, even an the broad lines laid down by Visit unt Grey.

The delegates themselves cannot be sure either, but the Irish people can accept or reject terms exercising the r ght of self-determination. ‘ From the standpoint of one desiring a settlement within the British Empire I hold that the Dail Eireann should neither accept nor reject any terms without a referendum of the people. If the people chose the alternative, meaning war. I would recognise it was a deliberate choice. I have not felt this regarding the so-called war of the past two rears, nor should I feel it now if the Dail ’ Eireann, elected as it has been, committed us to a renewal of hostilities.

-The British Government, by its course of action, has made it easy for the 'ail Eireann to get what answer it will from the people, nevertheless for that answer Ireland is fully responsible, even if the result be produced by intimidation. Responsibility cannot be evaded by those submitting to intimidation.”