THE IRISH PROPOSALS

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 39, 15 August 1921, Page 7

THE IRISH PROPOSALS

DE VALERA SAYS THEY ARE NOT

ACCEPTABLE

CLAIMS STATUS AS SEPARATE FOREIGN POWER. ,

THE PRIME MINISTER'S REPLY.

(SNITSB frb«s association—copirisht.j

UtSTIULIAN - SB* ZBALASB CABLE ASSOCIATION-)

(Received August 15, 10.30 a.m.)

■ LONDON, 14th August. Official: Mr. de Valerar's letter to Mr. Lloyd George asserts that the British proposals are suoh as the Irish people could not accept. He claims (to negotiate with Britain as a separate foreign Power. * Mr. Lloyd George, in his reply,-de-clines?' to discuss the question in public or to refer the matter to the arbitrament of a foreign Powov. The Government refuses to' continue a theoretical discussion on the national status which the Sinn Fein is willing to accept. Mr. de Valera's claim that Britain should acknowledge the right of Ireland to secede from allegiance to the King can never be acknowledged. Ireland must recognise the force of geographical and historical facts. Mr. Lloyd George will gladly give an assurance that the- Government vfill concur in any settlement Southern and Northern Ireland may make for Irish unity. The proposals were made in a sincere desire to achieve peace; beyond them the Government canrfot go. The test of Mr. de Valera's letter states:— ■.■;...

After consulting with my colleagues, I confirm the declaration that the British proposals are such that the Dail Eireann could not ond the. Irish people would not accept. We do not contemplate the use of force towards Ulster. If the British Government stands ifside we can effect a complete reconciliation. We' cannot admit the British Tight to mutilate our country. We are ready to meet you in all that is reasonable and just. We have no conditions to impose, and nq claims but that we are freed from aggression. That Ireland has the right to choose which path she shall take to realise her destiny must be accepted as indefensible is mine and my colleagues' conviction. True friendship towards England, which military" coercion has frustrated for centuries, can be obtained readily through an amicable but absolute separation.