SINN FEIN CONFER.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 December 1921, Page 5

SINN FEIN CONFER.

DEBATE ON THE TREATY. NO DECISION YET. DIVISION OF FEELING. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Dec. 14. The Dail Eireann met this morning in the University Buildings. Dublin. The Sinn Fein leaders were enthusiastically cheered as they arrived. Both Mr. Griffiths and Mr. De Valera had ovations, but the heartiest welcome was reserved for Mr. Collins.

When the roll call was completed Mr. De Valera spoke, first in Irish and then in English.

He said there was nothing extraordinary in the division of feeling which had arisen. The plenipotentiaries were given full powers to negotiate, with the understanding that they should report to Cabinet, which would decide upon the policy.

Mr. De Valera said the instructions to delegates provided that the complete text of the treaty should be submitted to Dublin before being signed. Mr. Collins emphatically declared that the delegates had not signed the agreement as a treaty, but on the understanding that they would recommend its acceptance.

Dr. White moved that the session be held in private. Mr. Me Valera supported the motion.

Mr. Collins, in opposing it, quoted the credentials which Mr. De Valera gave each delegate, which clearly stated that the powers of the delegates included the conclusion of an agreement. “I have been called a traitor,” Mr. Collins added. “I will let the people decide whether I am or not.” Mr. De Valera submitted that the document was not a treaty, but an agreement, which was not binding on the Dail Eireann. On Mr. De Valera’s motion the House decided to sit in private in the afternoon, but to admit the Press when the rejection or ratification of the treaty was considered. A LENGTHY DEBATE. HOUSE DIVIDED ON TREATY. FURTHER SESSIONS ARRANGED. Received Dec. 15, S p.m. x London, Dee. 15. The Dail Eireann sat in a large chamber of the University College, decorated in Adam style, the members sitting on red cloth benches. The Speaker was on a platform facing them, and Mr. De Valera was in the front bench on the Speaker’s left, as though already leader of the opposition. Mr. Arthur Griffiths and Mr. Michael Collins were on the Speaker’s right. Mr. Mulcahy, the fighting head of the gunmen, was apparently among Mr. Griffiths’ supporters. A feature of the gathering was the youthfulness of members, an astonishing number being mere boys. The proceedings made it plain that the Dail Eireann had not learned order in debate. The Speaker had no easy task. One amendment after another was moved, until bewildered members asked what was being discussed. It was evident that the main body of the Dail Eireann were anxious that the terms of the treaty should be discussed in public, as Messrs. Griffiths and Collins desired, but Mr. De Valera and his backers favored a private session, where it would be possible to speak with more freedom. The excitement of the sitting was Mr. Collins’ duel with Mr. De Valera, He is an awkward, but impressive figure. His voice is metallic, and he indulged in no rhetoric, but the sharp emphasis of his words went home- The duel, however, was only skirmishing for position, in which Mr. De Valera sought to

put upon the plenipotentiaries the responsibility for the Cabinet split. Mr. Collins angrily countered the suggestion that the plenipotentiaries had exceeded I their duty effectively quoting Mr. De Valera’s own instructions to the plenipotentiaries. Mr. Collins summed up his position, saying Ireland was free to accept or reject,4he treaty. He added: “If the Dail Eireann do not accept I will be relieved of all responsibility.” Tl|?re is a belief existing in Dublin that the House of'Commons may not ratify the treaty after all. Apparently the* Dail Eireann is anxious not to hurw ratification until the House of Conflnons has voted. It was announced that there will be another private session of the Dail -Eireann to-day, and a public one on Friday. Mr. De Valera complained that the final text of the agreement was not submitted for Cabinet's approval, though it differed considerably from the previous text. On that ground he could not sign. Mr. Collins became angry when he vehemently denied that he vUas a traitor. Later Mr. Collins <-rcss|d the floor and conversed with Mr. De >alera. Representatives of the World’s Press were the only members of thfe public admitted.

PARLIAMENT. SESSION PROROGUED. HOPES FOR PEACE Received Dec. 15, 8.5 p.m. London, Dec. 15. The Ulster Parliament has been prorogued. The Lord Lieutenant, in a speech, earnestly prayed that the efforts of the British Government to secure peace in Ireland may meet with.success, so that when Parliament is next summoned it will be under far different circumstances.