Irish Negotiations.

Evening Star, Issue 17710, 11 July 1921, Page 4

Irish Negotiations.

Imsn negotiations are not to end with

the partial Dublin Conference. Mr De Valera and the other Sinn Fein leaders have agreed to

meet representatives of the British Government, and, presumably,./of the Ulster Government, in London this week. Moreover, a truce has been arranged between the opposing forces in Ireland so that the calm of the conference chamber may not be disturbed by sounds of continuing strife and violence that would bo most unfavorable to conciliation. The fact that no formal considerations on the one side or suspicions on the other have been allowed to stand in the way of a truce

leaves no doubt of the desire for peace by which both parties arc now animated. It is the best development that has occurred yet in tbo wretched story of Irish relations since -the war ended. At least the.ro is room to hope that no new provocation will arise to add fresh fuel to deplorable animosities while the conference lasts; and the recent statements of Mr Do Valera have eccmed to express a wish, novel on Sinn Fein’s part, and as encouraging as it is novel,' that the past should bo forgotten. There will be a bettor hope for Irish peace when Irish patriots can remember, and act according to, the warning of the old Scottish tragedy: . . 0 rake not np the ashes of our fathers, Implacable resentment was their sin, And grievous has the retribution been, Dut something more is needed than a desire for peace, or even willingness to forget the past, before this conference can give promise of a settlement. Sinn Fein must give np its idea of an Irish Republic. That scheme is impossible. If separation from tho Empire were attainable it would bo tho deepest wrong to millions of Irishmen, scattered throughout the Dominions, who are loyal members of the Empire, and must remain members of it. And a Republic of Ireland, situated within the Empire, presents too fantastic a paradox to bo conceivable outside the vague realms of imagination. ‘ Will the Sinn Feiners give np this aspiration, new to Irishmen, and of all schemes tho most impracticable? No hint has been given yet that they will do eo. That dream, if it is to be persisted in, can only destroy all hope of an Irish settlement. In the mood which there is reason to hope is now governing negotiations almost any other obstacle might be overcome.