IRISH NEGOTIATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 159, 6 July 1921, Page 5

IRISH NEGOTIATION.

DEFINITE PROGRESS MADE. DE VALERA TO VISIT LONDON. SMUTS" VISIT TO DUBLIN. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright! (Secelved 10 aonj LONDON, July 5. It is stated in Parliamentary circles ■that progress towards definite agreement in Ireland is substantial. De Valera is expected to visit London at the close of the conversations. It is officially stated that General Smuts arrives in Dublin to-morrow, and will be met by prominent Irishmen including de Valera. General Smutssecretary has been in touch with Irish political leaders for some dava.— [A, and 2LZ. Cable.; A SECBJET AGKEEarHiT REACHED ON SOM£ "POINTS. LONDON, July 5 The conference between Sina Fein leaders and representatives of the Unionists in the South of Ireland opened ai the Mansion House, Dublin, to-day. Intercessory services for the success of the conference were held in several churches. The conference adjourned till > Friday, after reaching an agreement on certain points. j The deliberations at the Mansion House j lasted three hours and a quarter. Lord Sidleton and the other Unionist dele-! gates were heartily cheered by the crowd I as they left. The Sinn Fein leaders' recently released from prison joined in! the canferenceDe Valera and Arthur Griffith drew up ' an official report, which announced the adjournment till Friday, adding that certain agreements had been come to. The nature of the agreements has not vet been divulged, btrt it is believed that they include a fresh appeal to Sir Jas. Craig (Premier of Northern Ireland! which the Unionists have undertaken to convey. It is noteworthy that, no troops were •He-wed near the conference mill, police •lane directing the traffic 'The Star Spangled Banner" -was much sting, and there was a great display of American fiag-a. The Laxd Mayor of Dublin, in speaking ai the Mansion House, said that he had hopes that a great deal would come of the conference, which was the roost momentous ever held in Ireland. De Valera also spoke. He that it was & greet happiness for him to be among his own people.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.) OUTRAGE IK ATFT.ONE. LONDON, July 5. Lord Castlemaine's residence, Moydram Castle, near Athlone. was burned by a party of 60 armed men. who informed Lady Castleinaine that the act wis a reprisal for recent burnings in the neighbourhood. The damage is estimated at £120,000. —(A. and N-Z. Cable.)