THE OFFER TO IRELAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 215, 9 September 1921, Page 4

THE OFFER TO IRELAND.

While there is life there is hope. While negotiations continue between the British Government and Sinn Fein there is a prospect of peace. The Government, displaying a patience that is convincing proof of its desire for peace, has framed its latest communication to Dublin wisely. It requests a definite answer to this question: "Is Sinn Fein prepared to enter a conference to ascertain how the association of Ireland with the community of nations, known as the British Empire, can best be reconciled with Irish national aspirations." No offer could be wider. Dominion Home Rule was offered and rejected. The Government now invites the rejecters to say on what other terms, if any, they will remain within the Empire. Sinn Fein professes not to be satisfied with Dominion Home Rule; with what then will it be satisfied? Will it be satisfied with anything short of complete separation? The onus is now upon De Valera to say whether he and his colleagues will consent that Ireland shall remain part of the Empire, or whether they are determined upon independence. The offer lays down only one condition, and that couched in the most general terms. It opens the door to a frank and immediate discussion in conference on the whole question of Ireland's future. Once that conference meets it win be much more difficult for peace to be betrayed. The British Government has gone to the limit of its responsibility, and it now rests with Sinn Fein to say whether the negotiations are to continue.