IRISH PEACE TREATY.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17343, 3 January 1922, Page 8

IRISH PEACE TREATY.

DEMAND FOR RATIFICATION. PUBLIC ALMOST UNANIMOUS. (By table—Press Asrocktion —Copyright.) (Reuters Telegrams.) LONDON", December 30. The demand in Ireland for ratification of the Treaty is growing stronger every day. Already eighteen public bodies, including two Sinn Fein executives, have adopted resolutions approving the Treaty, and instructing their representatives in the Dail Eireann to vote for ratification. Mr Lloyd George's statement that it is impossible to alter the Treaty in any w&y without nullifying it has definitely destroyed any idea of alternative proposals. Hie editor proposed for the new paper, "The Republic of Ireland," is Mr William Fellows. Ho is one of the bitterest opponents of ratification of the Treaty. He was formerly banished) from England, but returned in disguise and commanded the Galway ■volunteers. He escaped to America, where he was one of the most active workers in urging America to recognise the Irish Republic. (Australian and 2*.3*. Cable A&socitttioß,) LONDON, December 30. The Sinn Feiners are holding meetings nightly in favour of ratification of the Treaty. Even the Northern Counties are demonstrating their strong anxiety for peace. Scores of messages from County Councils, District Councils, Sinn Fein Clubs, Boards of Guardians, Farmers' Associations, and Trade Union Executives are being received in Dublin favouring the London settlement. A party of men entered the premises of a Cork publisher and took away the whole issue of a booklet entitled '"lhe •Case for the Treaty." written by Professor O'ltahilly. The raiders also destroyed the type for another book. (Received January 2nd. 8.60 p.m.) LONDON, January 2.

All the Dublin correspondents expect the Dail Eireann to ratify the Treaty in consequence of the almost unanimous demand by public bodies and public meetings. Mr McEntee, rejcctionist member for Monaghan, has resigned, owing to a disagreement with his constituents. Some other rejectionists are likely to follow his example. The opposing leaders continue to hold private conferences, seeking principally a dignified escape from a difficult position. The Southern Parliament, limited to the members from 26 counties, must bo called, this being the only assembly competent to finally ratify the Treaty. It is believed in some quarters that after the Dail's decision the supporters of Mr de Yalera will propose that they shall not attend the session of the Southern Parliament, in order that ratification may lie carried uanimously. The Dublin correspondent of the "Daily News" points out that the most important problems now are whether the Provisional Government will be able to govern a divided country, wliethsr a Constitutional Opposition can be formed or Sinn Fein be faced with a Sinn Fein movement within itself, and whether Mr de Valeracan control hiß followers.

ULSTER'S POSITION, 0

STATEMENT BY SIB JAMES CRAIG (Received January 2nd, 8.50 p.m.) LONDON, January 1. Sir James Craig, in a New Year message, says he proposes to strain every nerve for, an honourable, enduring peaoe. Unity, courage, and selfrestraint were needed to bring Ulster through the year, still closely bound to Britain and the Empire. Sir James Craig concludes that though desiring to close down the recent pages of history in connexion with the South, which is seeking to work out its destiny in a different path, he realises that genuine good feeling between the North and the South are absolutely essential to the future happiness and prosperity of the people of both parties. AEMY RECRUITING STOPPED. (Received January 2nd, 8.5 p.m.) LONJjuN, January 1. The Belfast authorities have received orders to suspend recruiting for all Irish regiments except the Irish Guards.

The "Daily Telegraph's 0 Belfast correspondent, pointing out that the Treaty permanently stops British recruiting in Southern Ireland, expresses the opinion that _ the British Government's unpopularity in Ulster will be certainly increased if the British Army i 3 closed to Ulster men.

EMIGRATION FORBIDDEN. (Received January 2nd, 8.50 p.m.) LONDON, January 1. A notice forbidding emigration without the Republican Government's written consent, has caused surprise and consternation in Cork, where there have been heavy spring bookings.