KING'S WISH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 35, 11 February 1935, Page 7

KING'S WISH.

AN INTERMEDIARY. Irish Peer Said to be Acting as Peacemaker. BRITAIN AND FREE STATE. (United FA.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, February 10. It is believed that the Earl of Granard is acting as intermediary in connection with the reported desire of His Majesty for a reconciliation between Britain and the Irish Free State. Recently the earl had an hour and a halt's conversation with Mr. de Valera, and came to London the same evening. The "Sketch" says it would be difficult to name an intermediary better qualified than the Earl of Granard. He understands the views and difficulties of both sides. Eighth Earl of Granard since the age of 15, the new mediator in this outstanding dispute of modern times, is particularly fitted for his latest position. He served throughout the South African War; he was Lord-in-Waiting to King Edward, 1900-O7; he entered politics, being Assistant Postmaster-General, 1906-09.' He went as special Ambassador to announce the accession of King George in Norway, Denmark, Holland, Spain and Portugal in 1910, and was Master of the Horse until 1915. He served actively in the Great War for three years, going in 1917 to the Irish Convention. He was a senator of the first Southern Ireland Parliament; and is a trustee of the Irish Hospital Sweepstakes. He is a knight of the Order of St. Patrick, the highest Irish honour. His wife is a daughter of Ogden Mills, American financier, who, when he died in 1929, left her a trust sum of £2,439,947.