SINN FEIN’S REPLY

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 303, 16 September 1921, Page 5

SINN FEIN’S REPLY

RETURNED BY THE PREMIER

OfiJING TO ITS UNCOMPROMISING CHARACTER

FURTHER REFLECTION

URGED

IRISH DELEGATES APPOINTED

The letter from Mr. de Valera to the Premier is said to have been of such an uncompromising character that Mr. Lloyd George returned it with the inquiry if it could not be amended before presentation to the British Cabinet. Meanwhile the Dail Eireann has appointed plenipotentiaries to the proposed conference. / By Telegraph—Pres« Association-Copyright. Dublin, September 14. It is reported that the Dail Eireann. at a special session to-day, appointed Messrs. Griffith, Collins, Barton, Duggan, and Duffy as plenipotentiaries for the conference with Mr. Lloyd George. Mr. Griffith, who is tho leading spirit of the Irish delegation, is a strong advocate of a dual monarchy for England and Ireland, with the King as the link. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

London, September 14.

The Australian Press Agency learns from well-informed circles in London that Mr. Lloyd George, after reading the letter handed him by 1 (Mr. Boland and Mr. M'Gratih, requested' the envoys to return the communication to Mr. de Valera, and to ask him if it was the Sinn Fein’s last word, and if tho document could not be amended before presentation to the British Cabinet. The letter was of such an uncompromising character, contained so many reservations, and also flatly opposed the idea of Ireland remaining in the Empire, that the Premier felt that the only course was to ask the Finn Fein to reflect in the interest of peace. The Sinn Fein couriers/had not reached Dublin at the time the Dail Eireann was in session. The plenipotentiaries mentioned in an earlier message were elected in view of a possible conference. —- Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

MR. DE VALERA NOT A DELEGATE WILL DIRECT NEGOTIATIONS

FROM DUBLIN. (Rec. September 15, 7.20 p.m.) London, September 15. It was previously known that Mr. de Valera would not bo a delegate to the conference. He will direct the delegation’s negotiations from Dublin, where ho will remain in touch with the Dail Eireann. Mr. Griffith ie regarded as tho most able delegate. Mr. Duggan participated in the Irish- rebellion of Easter, 1916, ami was interned at Ballykinler, County Down, but was released on parol© to enable him as solicitor for the appellant to attend a law case before the' House of Lords. He was unconditionally released when the persent truce was arranged. Mr. Barton fought in Franco as an officer of the Dublin Fusiliers, and also commanded the barracks in Dublin in tho 191 G rebellion, in which the Sinn Fetners- were imprisoned. He subsequentlv left the Army and joined tho 6inn Fein—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

TERMS OF REPLY KEPT SECRET

DAIL EIREANN ADJOURNS. (Rec. September 15, 11.45 p.m.) London, September 15.

Xfter unanimously approving the terras if the Cabinet’s reply to Mr. Lloyd George, which are still kept secret, tho Dail Eireann adjourned sine die.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. PROMISE OF NEW ERA

THE KING /PRAYS FOR ITS REALISATION. London, September 13. The King, in .the course of his reply to an address from the Convocation of York, said:—"lt is a cause for deep nnd sacred relief, for which wo owe thanks to God. that in the answer to my appeal a new sign of hope has arisen in Ireland. I pray that the promise of a new era held out may be realised; that tho Irish people may be united one to another in peace and good will.” ' Ihe '■■ffimes.”