IS IT PEACE?

Evening Star, Issue 18262, 30 April 1923, Page 5

IS IT PEACE?

DE VALERA'S PROCLAMATION, CHARACTERISTIC DOCUMENT. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, April 28. Do Valera's manifesto is characterised by his usual wordiness. It proclaims: Tho Government of the Republic js anxious to contribute its share to the movement for peace founded on tho following principles: That- the sovereign rights of the nation aro indefensible and Inalienable. That all legitimate governmental authority is derived exclusively from the peonle. Tho ultimate court of appeal in deciding disputed questions of national expenditure is the people of Ireland 3 judtrmcnt, being a majority vote of tho adult citizens, their decision being obeyed and resistance and violence excluded, not because the decision is

necessarily right, just, and permanent, but because of it makes for peace, order, and unity, and is the democratic alternative to arbitration by force. No individual or individuals subscribing to those principles of national right, order, and good citizenship can be justly, excluded br any political oath, test, or other device from a proper share of influence in determining national policy or from a council or parliament of Lie nation. Military forces are servants of

the nation, and, subject to the t. regoing, are -amenable to a- nrt.'onal r.;mbly when freely elected by trie pcopteFreedom of a-sr-mbly, of speech, i-m?

Pro--! to prevail. E'tjt adult male r ! femaV to be allowed to v.y, at a Lor ova! Election to be he’d as coon as possible.

An undertakinor from both sides that, whatever Government is elected its ■■•])- pononls will not resort to armed force, but exercise their opposition in a constitutional manner.

The proclamation expresses the hopes that this advance will bo met in the spirit in which it. is made, and supported by all loving tho country and desiring a speedy and just ending' to the national trouble.

A correspondent add; that he is of opinion that the Free State will not agree to these terms as outlined, Nevertheless peace is expected soon, perhaps next week. Monsignor Lnxio, the Papal envoy, is working hard on this subject. The 'rebel army order to officers commanding and others is signed ‘‘Frank Aitlcen, Chief of Staff.” It reads: In order to give effect to the decision of the Republican Army Council embodied in tbs proclamation of this date, you will arrange for the suspension of all offensive operations in your area frern noon on April 50. You will ensure whilst remaining on the defensive that all units shall lake adequate measures to protect themselves and their munitions. —A. and N.Z. Cable. DESIRE FOR PEACE, LONDON, April 23. The collapse of the rebel Government, which has been expected since the vigorous Free State campaign resulted in ih.: capture of so many leaders, was revealed to-day by the proclamation of Do Va;ora expressing his willingness to neeotiitc for peace and also by the rebel army order fuscending hostilities. It is the general hope that thin moans the end of the long guerrilla warfare.—A. and N.Z. Cable. [Guerrilla warfare, which has now lasted fifteen months, was announced as n consequence of Do Valera’s refusal on December 12, 3921, to ratify the agreement signed at Downing street between representatives of the Imperial Government and Sinn Fein.] REBEL TERMS. LONDON, April 23. An Australian Press Association special message from Dublin states that De \.ilci'a, Routledgc, AilUii. Pil.iiigto;., and Parry, who remain of the 11. pub.k a.i Government army, are prep.*.) ••• J to accept tiro following terms of jv.mo ; (11 Complete, dumping ci all arms under super >is ion (Do Valera will agree to their complete dcfiro 'ti.-n!. (A Return home of ail ite; aodtaiis in anus. (3) Cessation by the Five Suite G.wr. ••• ment of all raids and arrests. (4) ILkaso of all prisoners, A! altered e. m - inal prisoners to be ne.iit wit;j by topresentatives of the !• rue Slate amt Republicans, v. ith a ii'i.ilrnl drr.rm'.w (ilonsigaor Lur> is .■ing-stadj. —A. am! N.Z, Cable. VARICES COMMENTS. LONDON, April 23. Sir llamar Greenwood (into Chit! Secretary for Ireland) s-i-ni: “ Ireland is la:parent country of nii-hocs cf irishmen throughout the v..rhl who will rejoice u. know that peace has returned to Cieir mother country.”

The ‘ Daily Clironiclio * states editorially : “ It is true that this is not an unconditional surrender. The terms are vague and do not constitute a real basis of scitiement unices it is understood that the Republicans are prepared to accept the verdict of the popular elections; but it is time to settle.**

An Australian Press Association sorcinl message states: “Do Valera will agree to tho dumping or destruction of arms and the vcktnro of prisoners, and stipulates for any early Contra: Flection and loyalty to wha’over Government is elected."—A. and N.Z. Gable. (Received April 50, at 1 a.m.) Tho ‘ iVliii Times’ states; “ Tho Government's reply will not be long delayed. A view much favored is that the propnM hi will not bo accepted, but that the, suspension of .hostilities will be lasting. Menutime, Free State military activity has not been relaxed in Dublin. Armed patrols are everywhere. • Freeman’s Journal ’ says : “ Do Valera, enuid easily make ids position clear by Icavirg the issue (o the people, who aie the final court, of appeal, and abandoning the weapons which have been employed to intimidate that court.” The ‘ Blind,ay Observer ' remarks :“ Do Valera has recognised that the principles of democracy debar civilised people from armed opposition to a majority opinion, however unpalatable it may bo.” Tho ‘ Sunday Express says ; “Do Valera calls it a trace. It i& a surrender.”—A. and N.Z. Cable. G OVERNMENT DELIBERATING. LONDON, April 29. (Received April 50, at 1 a.m.) Tho Free Stats Government is giving most careful consideration to De Valera’s proclamation.—A. and N.Z. Cable.