IRISH PROBLEM.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17220, 10 August 1921, Page 7

IRISH PROBLEM.

RELEASE OF McKEON. IMPOSTAKT PBINOIPLB ESTABLISHED. (Auatratian and N.Z. Cs UM , AseociatiSn.) LONDON, August 8. The Sinn Fein organisation denies the report that, unless McKeon is released, Sinn Fein will end the truce or theDail Eireann will not meet to discuss the peace proposals. Later. McKeon has been released. Eleven members of the Dail Eireann were released to-day, and proceeded immediately to Dublin . to see Mr de Valera. It is understood that the decision to detain McKeon was originally taken pending a reference of his case to higher authorities, and certain legal technicalities requiring consideration. In deciding to release McKeon, it is believed that the authorities were influenced by his chivalrous conduct towards two Cadets who fell wounded into his hands when lie was in charge of an ambush. Mr de Valera to-night, before he knew of the decision to release McKeon said: "If his detention is persisted in I cannot accept responsibility for proceeding further with the negotiations. McKeon typifies everything for which. we fought. The whole Irish people are proud of him, and regard him as a soldier patriot." A (Received August 9th. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, August ?. Mr McKeon says: "It is now clear that my release b" the English Government is an admission that I am not only a representative of the people, but an officer of the Irish Republican Army. My release is an acceptance of the fact that my act was an act of war; therefore it is clear that my release is a final abandonment of any claim by the enemy that the Irish war is murder. It is clear that all my fellow soldiers in gaols and camps must be similarly recognised." _ LONDON, August 8.

Mr de Valera, in a statement regarding the previous refusal to release McKeon, said he did not believe that it was the considered action of the Government, but of subordinates.