IRISH PEACE MOVE

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17750, 30 April 1923, Page 9

IRISH PEACE MOVE

REPUBLICAN OFFER TO NEGOTIATE. DE VALERA'S MANIFESTO. HOSTILITIES TO BE SUSPENDED (BY CABLE—PBI33 ABSOCIMIOH —COPTBIOHT.) (AUSTBALIAIT AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATIOH.) LONDON, April 27. The collapse of the rebel "government," which has been expected since the vigorous Free State campaign resulted in the capture of so many leaders, was revealed to-day in a proclamation by de Valera expressing his willingness to negotiate peace and also a rebel Army Order suspending hosr tilities.

It is the general hope that this means the end of a long guerrilla warfare.

De Valera's manifesto is characterised by his usual wordiness. It proclaims that the "Government of the Republic" is anxious to contribute its share to the movement for a peace founded on the principles of (1)' the sovereign rights of the nation, which, are indefeasible and inalienable; (2) that all legitimate governmental authority is derived. exclusively from the people; (3) that the ultimate court of appeal for deciding disputed questions of national expenditure is the judgment of the people of Ireland by the majority vote of the adult citizenry, their decision being obeyed, and resistance and violence excluded not because the decision is necessarily right or just and permanent, but because acceptance makes for peace, order and unity, and is a democratip alternative to arbitration by peace; (4) no individual or individuals subscribing to those principles of national right, order and good citizenship can be justly excluded by any political oath, test, or other device from their proper share of influence in determining the national polioy or from the council or parliament of the nation. The military forces are the servants of the nation and, subject to the foregoing, are amenable to the National Assembly when freely elected by the people; (5) freedom of assembly, speech and the Press to prevail. That every adult male and female be allowed to vote at a general election to be held as soon as may be. (6) An undertaking to be given by both sides that whatever Government be elected, its opponents will not resort to armed force, but will exercise their opposition in a constitutional manner.

The proclamation hopes that this advance will b© met in the spirit in which it is made, and supported by all who love their country and desire a speedy and just ending to the national troubles. Eebol Army Order. The Republican Army order to Officers Commanding and others which is signed by Frank Aitken as" Chief of Staff reaqjs:—"ln order to give effect to the decision of the Government and the Army Council embodied in the proclamation of this date, you will arrange for the suspension of all offensive operations in your area from noon on April 30th. You will ensure that, wfnlst-re-j maining on the defensive, all units take adequate' measures to protect themselves and their munitions." The Republican Offer. The guerrilla warfare which has now lasted fifteen months was' announced as a consequence of de Valera's refusal on December 12th, 1921, to ratify the agreement signed at Downing Street between the representatives of the Imperial Government and Sinn,'Fein. Sir Hamar Greenwood, J formerly Chief Secretary for Ireland, said: "Ireland is the parent country of millions of Irishmen throughout the world who will rejoice to know that peace has returned to their mother country. The "Daily Chronicle 1 ' states editorially: "It is true that this is not an unconditional surrender. The terms are vague and do not constitute a real basis of settlement unless it is understood that the Republicans are prepared to accept the verdict of the popular but ask time to settle." The Australian Pres3 Association has received a special message from Dublin stating that de Valera will agree to the dumping or destruction of 'arms and the release of grisoners. He stipidates an early general election and loyalty to whatever 'Government is elected. The correspondent adds thathe is of the opinion that the Free State Government will not agree to these terms as outlined. Nevertheless peace is expected soon, perhaps next week. Monsignor Luzio is working hard on this subject.

TERMS OF PEACE. REPUBLICAN LEADERS' PROPOSALS. (Received April 29th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, April 28. A special message from Dublin to the Australian Press Association states, that de Valera, Routledge, Aifcken, Pilkington, and Parry, and what remains of the Republican Government's Army are prepared to' accept the folfollowing terms of peace:— (1) The complete dumping of all arms under supervision (de Valera will agree to their complete destruction). (2) The return home of all Republicans in arms.

(3) The cessation by the Free £tate Government of all raids and arrests. (4) The release of all prisoners, all alleged criminal prisoners to be dealt with by representatives of the Free State Government and the Republicans, with a neutral chairman (Consignor Luzio is suggested).

THE NEXT MOVE. ATTITUDE OF FREE STATE GOVERNMENT. (Received April 29th, 11.55 p.m.) LONDON, April 29. The Free Stat© Government is giving the most careful consideration to de Valera's proclamation. The "Irish Times" says a reply will

not be long delayed. A view much favoured is that the proposals will not be accepted, but that the suspension of hostilities will be lasting.

In the meantime the Free State Government's military activity has not been relaxed in Dublin, where armed patrols and lorries are everywhere. The "Freeman's Journal" says de Valera could easily make his position clear by leaving the issue to the people, who are the final court of appeal, and abandoning the weapons which have been employed to intimidate thati Court. The "Observer'' remarks that de Valera has recognised that the principles of "lemocracy debar a civilised people from armed opposition to majority opinions, however unpalatable they may be. i The" "Sunday Express" says:—"De Valera calls it a truce. > It is a surrender." THE DEPORTATION FROM BRITAIN. THE LEGAL ASPECT. LONDON, April 27. A curious position has arisen in connexion with the recent Irish deportations, which have bsen, the subject of consultations between Ministers and law officers. A meeting of Cabinet considered the matter to-night, and the Court of Appeal to-day will give its decision on the application for a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of Art O'Brien. It is pointed out that this decision will govern the other cases. Should the Court's decision be against the Home Secretary, it is predicted that the Government will have no alternative to asking Parliament to pass an Act of Indemnity to absolve the Home Secretary from the penalties which might attach to the act of the recent deportations. This is understood to ue the opinion, of the majority of Cabinet. BOMB OUTRAGES IN DUBLIN. LONDON, April 27. This, morning three men and a woman drove up to the portico of the Grand Central Cinema Theatre in O'Connell street, Dublin, and deposited a mine in the vestibule. A terrific .explosion wrecked the vestibule and smashed all the windows in the vicinity. Two pass-ers-by were slightly injured.

JAMES LARKIN AGAIN. LONDON, April 27. James Larkin, the Irish agitator, has arrived at Southamapton from the United States, whence he was deported. He refused to say whether he was going to Ireland. The ship's papers showed that he was going to a Dublin address. • - LEGALISING BETTING. LONDON, April 27.,

It is reported that the Free StateGovernment is sympathetically considering a scheme for legalising betting, which the Turf Cflub approves.

I IRISH ENVOYS IN AUSTRALIA. t MELBOURNE, April 28. The Prime Minister, Mr S. M. Bruce, announced that he was glad to know that New South Wales had the ppwor to suppress the Irish republican cam'paign. The Commonwealth had not power since the repeal of the Precautions Act. While many insulting statements had incensed Australians, they iwere not of'such a character as to permit of action by the Commonwealth Government. He had notified the British authorities that the envoys were certified by British authorities, a form of carelessness, which to say the least, was embarrassing. Had they not the protection of their passports, or had the Commonwealth been advised 'of their' mission, action would have been taken before they stepped off the steamer. SYDNEY, April 28. It is understood that die Irish Republican envoys will continue their campaign with the object of stating the case for the Republic and collecting funds foi the relief of distress caused by fighting. It is stated that the authorities regard the plea that the funds are for the relief of distress as a I pretence which will not be tolerated.