NORTH AND SOUTH.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 December 1921, Page 5

NORTH AND SOUTH.

STEPS FOR AGREEMENT. SINN FEIN’S OFFER. ULSTER LEADER HOPEFUL. By Ttleeraph.—Press Assn.—copyright. Received Dec. 8, 5.5 p.m. Londori, Dec. 7. Mr. Lloyd George interviewed Lord Middleton and other Southern Unionists. Mr. Arthur Griffiths (Sinn Fein delegate) this evening sent a letter to Mr. Lloyd George, stating: “I am meeting Southern Unionists. I agree that a scheme should be devised to give them a full share of representation in the First Chamber of the Irish Parliament, and we will also consult them regarding the constitution of the Upper Chamber, and undertake that their interests will be duly represented. I take this opportunity of saying that we desire the co-operation of Unionists in common with all other sections of the Irish nation in raising the structure and shaping the destiny of the Irish Free State. We look for their assistance in the same spirit of understanding and goodwill which we will show towards their traditions and interests.” Sir James Craig (Premier of Northern Ireland) sent a message to a meeting in County Down, stating: “It now appears to me that peace is possibly within sight if all work together to that end with patience and goodwill, but only the healing hand of time can obliterate the memory of the sore affliction through which we have passed.” Sir James Craig, in the Ulster Parliament, said that after to-morrow's Belfast conference with the Government supporters, he proposed to proceed to London to seek the elucidation of certain questions in the agreement requiring explanation. Sir James Craig added that it was inexpedient to make any statement whatever regarding the details of the peace proposals. The document contained ambiguities here and there; secondly they needed considerable information before they could come to a right conclusion. He did not believe a peace settlement could be furthered by rushing and tumbling over one another at it. Until they received further information he thought it inadvisable for the House to discuss the agreement. They should hold their hands until he returned from London, showing that moderation which had always characterised them when any Crisis had to be faced.

Belfast reports state that Ulster’s main objection to the agreement relates to the proposed interference with the boundaries, which is considered a violation of the previous pledges. It is authoritatively declared that an amnesty of all political prisoners will be proclaimed throughout Ireland immediately. including the freeing of internees and the reconsideration of sentences. FEELING IN FRANCE. PRESS WELCOMES AGREEMENT. Received Dec. 8, 5.5 p.m. Paris, Dec. 7. All the newspapers rejoice at the conclusion of an Irish agreement, and loudly praise the statesmanship of Mr. Lloyd George, whom Le Journal terms the first negotiator of his time. Further, it says France will, from the bottom of her heart, address good wishes to the Irish people, who are bound to her by so many memories, and again become a sovereign nation. The Gaulois says the agreement is a victory for Ireland, but likewise constitutes a triumph of the commonsense and clearsightedness of the English people. The Petit Parisien says perhaps no event in Britain’s past has been so sensational. THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL. DUKE OF YORK MENTIONED. Received Dec. 8, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 7. The Duke of York’s name is mentioned in connection with the Irish GovernorGeneralship. SOUTHERN PARLIAMENT SUMMONED. London, Dec. 7. Mr. De Valera, in view of the nature of the proposed treaty, has sent an urgent summons to the members of the Cabinet in London, asking them to report forthwith in order that a full Cabinet decision may be taken on Thursday. A meeting of the Dail Eireann will be summoned later. FRENCH TRIBUTES. Paris. Dec. 6. The newspapers generally pay a tribute to King George for his efforts to secure an Irish peace and also eulogise Mr. Lloyd George as one of the greatest negotiators of the day. A CANADIAN VIEW. Ottawa. Dec. 7. The Toronto Globe says: “It looks as though the evi] spirit which has infected Anglo-Irish relations will be exercised finally and Ireland soon enter the company of free nations. It may not for the present be a United Ireland. The new Dominion will be on trial, and on its success will depend the decision of the north-east counties. THE POPIE’S CONGRATULATIONS. Rome, Dec. 7. The Pope telegraphed congratulations to the King and Mr. de Valera on the Irish settlement.