IRELAND AND EMPIRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 215, 9 September 1921, Page 6

IRELAND AND EMPIRE.

ALLEGIANCE JO CROWN. IS IT REPUDIATED. QUESTION FOR SINN FEIN. DEFINITE REPLY 'WANTED. CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 20. ißy Cable. —Press Association.— 'Oapyrlsdit.) (Received 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, September S. Cabinet's answer to Mr. de Valera is short. Mr. Lloyd George says: "I make the following observations on your letter of August 30. The'principle of Government by consent of the governed is the foundation of British constitutional development, but we cannot accept as a basis of a practical conference an intcrpretalion of that principle which would commit US to any demands you might present, even to the extent of setting up a republic and repudiating the Crown. "You' must bo aware that a conference on such a basis is impossible. So applied the principle would undermine the fabric of every democratic State and drive the civilised world back to tribalism. On the other hand we invited you to discuss our proposals on their merits in order that you would have no doubt regarding the scope and sincerity of our intentions. "Jt is open to you at such a conference to raise the subject of guarantees on any point you may consider Irish freedom prejudiced. The Government is ! loath to believe that you insist on rejecting these proposals without examining them at a conference. To decline to discuss a settlement which would bestow on Ireland the fullest freedom of rmtionnl development within the Empire, can only mean that you repudiate all allegiance to the Crown and all membership of the British Commonwealth. If we were to draw this inference from your letter, then further discussion between us would serve no useful purpose, nn.l all conference would he vain. "If. however, we mistake this inference, and your real objection is that our proposals offer Ireland less than the liberty we described, that objection can be explored at the conference. You will that this correspondence has lasted lone; enough, and the Government must ask for a definite reply as to whether you are prepared to enter into 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. If, as we hope, your answer is in the affirmative, I suggest that the conference meet at Inverness on September 20."— (A. and N.Z. Cable.) THE VITAL ISSUE. DAIL TO BE SUMMONED. (Received 2 p.m.) LOXDOX, September 8. The "Daily Telegraph's" Dublin correspondent states that Cabinet's invitation to a conference has created an excellent impression in Dublin and the South of Ireland. While exchanges of notes continued progress was impossible, and the temptation to score debating points blinded Irishmen to the vital issue. The Dail Eirann will be immediately summoned to consider the letter. The public is confident that the difficulties will be surmounted, even if it be necessary to appeal to the country for a decision.— (A. and N.Z. Cable.) NO COERCION OF UXSTER. CONSTITUTION OF CONGRESS. (Received 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, September 8. It is understood that the Ministry has reaffirmed its decision that Ulster cannot be coerced. One llinieter informed his colleagues that he was informed that Sinn Fein really wanted a dual monarchy, making the King , of England separately King of Ireland. Cabinet would not listen to the proposal. In the discussions Ministers agreed that it was necessary to ascertain whether Sinn Fein insisted on independence before it was possible to proceed further. They would thus ascertain the truth regarding Sinn Fein's attitude towards independence, fixing a date to bring the matter to a head one way or another. The committee to confer with Sinn Fein if the conference eventuates will consist of the Premier, Mr. Austen Chamlerlain (leader of the House of Commons), Lord C'urzon (leader of the House of Lords), Lord Birkenhead (Lord High Chancellor), Sir Hamar Greenwood (Secretary for Ireland), Mr. E. Sliortt (Home Secretary), J/fr. Winston Churchill (Colonial Secretary), Sir L. W. Evans (.Secretary for War), and Mr. Robt. Monro (Secretary for Scotland). — (United Service.)