BAR TO CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 306, 20 September 1921, Page 5

BAR TO CONFERENCE

CLAIM TO RECOGNITION AS SOVEREIGN STATE IRELAND MUST OWN ALLEGIANCE M 0 THRONE PREMIER’S DE VALERA ' Mr. Lloyd George states that Mr. de Valera’s telegram does not modify the claim that the Irish delegates should be met as representatives of an • State. He is prepared to meet the delegates in the capacity of chosen spokesmen to discuss the association of Ireland with the British Commonwealth, but adds . that unless the paragraph of the letter claiming recognition as a sovereign State is withdrawn a conference is impossible. By Telegranh—Press Association—Oonvrieht London, September 18. Mr. Lloyd George haa telegraphed to Mr. de Valera as follows:— "I have received your telegram, and I observe it' does not modify the claim that your delegates should meet us as representatives of a sovereign independent State. You made no such condition in advance when you came to see ma in July. ,1 invited you to meet me as the chosen leader of the great majority in Stouthern Ireland. From the outset I told you we looked to Ireland to own allegiance to the Throne and 'make her future as member of the British Commonwealth. That was the basis of our proposal, and we cannot alter the status which you now claim in advance for your delegates, and which, is, in effect, a repudiation of that basis. "I am prepared to meet your delegates as I met you in July, in the capacity of the chosen spokesmen for your people, to discuss the association of Ireland with the British Commonwealth. I cannot meet them as representatives of a sovereign independent State without disloyalty on our .part to the Throne and Empire. I must, therefore, repeat that unless the second paragraph of your letter of September 12 is withdrawn a conference between us is impossible."— Aus.-.Z. Cable Assn. [The following is the paragraph referred to by Mr. Lloyd George: "In this final note I deem it my duty to affirm our position. Our nation hosi formally declared its independence, and’ recognises itself as a sovereign State. It is only as representatives of that State that we have any authority to act on behalf of our people.”] IRISH PEOPLE ANXIOUS FOR CONFERENCE , QUESTION OF TYRONE AND FERMANAGH. London, September 18. The Central News Agency reports that Dublin has gone through a series of surprises during the past two days. Thdugh there apparently is a deadlock, Mr. de Valera’s telegram shows that he and his colleagues are most anxious for a enec. In this Mr. de Valera is voicing the known opinion of the Irish nation. He knows that to further parry with political theories will bo to jeopardise the confidence at present reposed in him. The Dail Eireann now knows that anysettlement must be within the Empire. It is ‘believed that a compromise regarding Tyrtine and Fermanagh will satisfy tho anti-partitionists. Mr. Lloyd George’s reply is eagerly awaited.

Official circles: in London regard Mi;, do Valera’s letter as conciliatory. The Premier’s reply should clear the air. Mr. Lloyd George ./will not be able to. travel for two or three days, and' no Cabinet meeting will be held until he is much better. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RIOTINl) IN BELFAST OUTBREAK SUPPRESSED BY MILITARY. ’ ' (Rec. September 19, 5.5 p.m.) London, September 19. Rioting broke out in Veres Street, Belfast, on Sunday afternoon, rival crowds sniping vigorously. After fierce firing, which swept the whole street from end to end, two girls fell wounded, and subsequently died. The military were called out, and the outbreak, using Lewis guns. Three of the ringleaders were arrested. —Aus.-N.Z. ’ Cable Assn. RAIDS BY BELFAST POLICE CASE OF REVOLVERS SEIZED. London, September 18. The Belfast police made a Humber of raids and seized a case marked "hardware,” consigned to Smithfield, London. The case was full of revolvers. A dozen arrests were made. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.