THE IRISH TREATY.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1921, Page 5

THE IRISH TREATY.

ALTERNATIVE TO WAR. DRAMATIC DISCLOSURES. MORE DETAILS OF OFFER. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dec. 20, 8.10 pjn. London, Dec. 19. A feature of to-day’s debate at the meetng of the Dail Eireann was a challenge oy Mr. Michael Collins and Mr. Arthur Griffiths (supporters of the treaty) against the dictatorship which Mr. De Valera is claiming. The latter, a tall, gaunt, unyielding figure, resembled Savonarola turned politician. His powerful voice quickly stirred the passions of the gathering. His whole speech was very different rom Wednesdays; there were no hesitations, but hard and almost inhuman feresty as he proceeded from denunciation o denunciation. The effect would have *een comic if the speaker had not been so leadly in earnest. Mr. Griffiths did not attempt flights of watory. Throughout he was plain, emphatic and dogged. Mr. Griffiths’ best point was reading a letter from Mr. Lloyd George (date not given), in which Mr. Lloyd George cleared up certain points in the treaty. This letter pointed out that a jovernor-General will be appointed similar to Canada, the Irish Government being consulted in order to ensure an acceptable selection. Regarding Ireland’s liability for the public debt and her share in the war pensions, the procedure contemplated was that the British Government should submit its claims, the Irish Free State to then submit any counter-claims to which it was thought Ireland was entitled, and upon this case arbitrators would decide. Britain desired Ireland to rank as the co-equal of the other nations of the commonwealth, and would support her claim to a similar place in the League of Nations. The framing of the constitution would be in the hands of the Irish Government. The letter concluded: “We propose to begin withdrawing the military directly the articles of agreement are ratified." Mr. Collins was a great contrast to Mr. Griffiths and Mr. De Valera. His gestures and mercurial cha ges from sunny smiles to wraib recalled Mr Lloyd George twenty years ago. His confidence and sheer robustness again and again aroused ringing cheers. The sensation of the meeting, however, was Mr. Barton’s speech, in which he revealed with most dramatic effect how the delegates faced the dreadful alternative at the fateful midnight session. He said: ‘'The negotiations had broken down, and I broke the oath of allegiance to the republic because I believed it the lesser evil. We tried repeatedly to get the responsibility of deciding on peace or war referred to the Dail Eireann, but Mr. Lloyd George, with solemnity, power and conviction, declared that the signature of every delegare was necessary, or war would follow immediately. He gave us ninety minutes to decide. Mr. Gavin Duffy and myself decided on a refusal war or no war. I preferred war, but realised that I dare not accept that responsibility on behalf of the nation without consulting the nation. so I signed, and am prepared to stand by the signature."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

ORANGEMEN’S PROTEST. SOME COMMUNIST IDEAS. Received Dec. t r, BAS p.m. London. Dec. 20. The Grand Irn*h Orange Lodge, in & manifesto to brother Orangemen, stated: “This meeting, representative of Orangemen from all parts of Ireland, is of opinion that the so-caHed treaty ■will break up the Empire and compulsorily deprive many loyal citizens of their position in the Empire." The Workers’ Republic, the organ of Irish communists, declares the question is not how to liberate the Irish people from the yoke of *’ie British, but how to liberate millions of toilers for imperialists in India, Egypt and Africa. When these have actively participated in a struggle for freedom, and when this struggle is creating such a crisis in Europe and the whole machinery of State is threatened with being sprung into the air, then the hope of Ireland will materialise, and then she will deliver the deathblow, placed as she is in the very heart of the centre of the Empire. TREATY WILL GO THROUGH.” A MESSAGE FROM IRELAND. Received Dee. 20, 8.10 p.m. London, Dec. 19. A prominent Irish trade unionist, writing to a British colleague, says: ‘Don’t worry; the treaty will go through all right.'’ VOICE OF IRELAND. AUTHORITY OF THE DAIL EIREANN. Received Dec. 20, 55 p.m. London, Dec. 20. A most important question had been raised as to the Dail Eireann’s power to ratify the agreement, which stipulated that the treaty must be submitted to an assembly composed of elected Commoners of South Ireland. The Dail Eireann does not fulfil this requirement, because it includes some Northern Commoners and excludes Southern Unionists, who have not sworn allegiance to the republic. If the Dail Eireann approves a resolution of ratification a properly constituted assembly will be convoked. Mr. De Valera decided to introduce his own scheme, which further complicates the issue. Die Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has issued a manifesto stating that if an Irish Free State is formed loyalists will be compelled to defend their lives and liberties, and force would be the only argument. They accepted His Majesty’s Government. —Aus.-N Z. Cable 'Asm.