SINH FEIH CONFER.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 December 1921, Page 5

SINH FEIH CONFER.

DISCUSSING THE TREATY, NO DECISION YET. OUTCOME DOUBTFUL. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dec. 16, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 16. Opinion inside the Dail Eireann fluctuates hourly and according to the speeches it is impossible to predict the result with confidence. The Evening Standard’s Dublin correspondent asserts that though Mr. De Valera’s great point to the public is that the plenipotentiaries failed to submit the treaty before signing it the real division behind the scenes is the question of allegiance. That is thestumbling block. - Many of Mr. De Valera’s present followers are anxious for ratification, but are loath to face the possibility of Mr. De Valera’s complete retirement from the Irish Government. Mr. Michael Collins (who favors the treaty) is now assured of a clear majority of 64 out of 120. The Fermanagh County Council, by a majority of three, decided to recognise the Dail Eireann, and to have no further communication either with the British or Belfast Governments. Ten minutes later the Irish Constabulary took possession of the council’s offices in order to prevent the destruction or withdrawal of books. The Dail Eirann continues its secret session to-morrow. A Dublin message states the De Valera party is aiming at a referendum, though it would entail delay, which is the gravest menace. Truce breaches are not instigated by the leaders, but the happenings and deliberations of the Dail Eirann are conducted over a volcano. Communists are intervening in Dublin and attempting to sway the waverers towards Mr. De Valera Jim Larkin cabled from an American prison: “I stand with the dead who live and speak. What doth profit a people to gain the shrine of Empire and suffer the loss of its soul.”

HOUSE OF LORDS DEBATE. DISCUSSION CONTINUED. TREATY SUPPORTED. Received Dec. IG, 7.30 p.m. London, Dec. 15. The debate on the Irish treaty was continued in the House of Lords. Lord Londonderry declared the policy of union had never been shown to have failed. Lord Curzon had exploited the Irish question as a plank of his political programme. Lord Londonderry quoted Lord Birkenhead's pre-war speeches, and added that Lord Birkenhead, in changing his mind, was taking a great risk j in order to find a temporary settlement, which was a pure gamble. Ulster had never expressed her intention to remain out of an all-Ireland Parliament. He was of opinion a settlement by just and efficient administration of the South and the West would go far to remove Ulster’s objections to a single Parliament. Ulster for the present intended to adhere to union with Britain and was prepared to bear any financial burden entailed on their loyalty. It was not a question of pounds, shillings and pence. Y«ord Londonderry strongly objected to the Boundary Commission Act of 1920 being put forward as a final settlement, but finality seemed as far off as ever. The Archbishop of Canterbury urged their lordships to vote for the settlement. Lord Carson’s speech was unworthy of one wjth such a knowledge of the facts. Lord Middleton said he would support the view of the Government. The Duke of moved Colonel Gretton’s amendment.

Lord Finlay thought wc were -buying peace at too high a price. Lord Bryce believed the feeling of Ulster would be softened in time, and she would join fortunes with the rest of Ireland if law and order was maintained and the rights of property respected. The House adjourned.