IRISH PROBLEM.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17222, 12 August 1921, Page 7

IRISH PROBLEM.

GOVERNMENT AND THE TRUCE. BELEASB OF PRISONERS. (B* C»M«—Prow Association—CopvTiifht.) (Awrtniljuj and N.Z. Cabl« A**ociation.) LONDON, August 10. Lord Birkenhead, in the Houee of Lords, defended the releasing of the members of the Dail Eireann. He believed that, under the circumstances, the Government had chosen the right course. If it had refused to enter into negotiations, it would have beer, committed, for an indefinite period, to a continuance of military and police efforts, but on a far larger scale. No military commander would be bold enough to say what time, resources, men, and expenditure would be required to suppress the rebellion. This might still prove necessary. 'lf it (had so happened, they would have been confronted with the position that, while such preparations were being made, the world would have seen a continuance of the butchery of police and Crown Forces, adding to the long legacy of bitterness. The Government, therefore, would have done a wrong and indefensible thing if it had not negotiated when the Dail Eireann was prepared to negotiate. The Viceroy. Lord Fitza-'an, occupied the Vice-Regal Bar in Dublin to-day, and received a hearty reception from the whole attendance. Messrs de Valera and Collins conferred with the Mansion House authorities, but did not issue a statement. McKeon and otiher provincial members of the Dail Eireann have gone to their homes, but will return to Dublin next week. DAIL EIREANN DELIBERATIONS. (Received August 11th, 8.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON. August 10. Mr Harry Boland, secretary to Mr de Valera and head of the Irish Republican Diplomatic Mission, has been advised that arrangements are being made for a safe conduct for his return to Ireland to participate in the peace deliberations of the Dail Eireann. Mr Boland says it appears there will be several days, if not several weeks, of discussion by the Dail Eireann before any reply is .made to Britain.