SETTLEMENT COMING

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 August 1921, Page 5

SETTLEMENT COMING

SINN FEIN EXPECTATIONS. NO SEPARATION. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, August 12. A “Star” representative interviewed Mr. Macartney, an intimate friend of de Valera, Collins, and other Sinn Fein leaders. When asked: “Is a settlement coming? Mr. Macartney replied : ‘‘Of course it is! Dublin has no doubt about it, nor has de Valera., or Collins, or any of the other leaders.” Mr. Macartney does not expect a final settlement before the Spring, but it appears the Sinn Feiners are go ing to accept Mr. Lloyd George's proposals, with certain reservations. The leaders, it is stated, recognise that the proposals are most generous in affording a basis for further negotiations. Air. Macartney anticipates that when the proposals are disclosed, they* will cause a great cry from one wing of the British Unionists. They are, however, practically identical with what the British Government submitted to Sinn Fein two years ago. Air. Lloyd George’s plan was to give the North and the South of Ireland control of militia, but provided that Federal regiments would co-exist in each province. Sinn Fein would prefer separation, but Air. de Valera and Michael Collins, it is stated, know that they must be content with less.

CABINET MEETING TO-DAY. LONDON, August. 12. The Cabinet meets on Saturday to discuss Air. do Valera’s reply, which "s reported to have been now received. The reply is variously reported. It is stated on the one hand - that it contains nothing calling Air Lloyd George urgently to London, and on the other hand it is stated that Mr. de Valera demands a complete annesty for the 3,000 Sinn Feiners who are now being detained by the British Government as prisoners. This latter is stated to be a matter of the gravest importance, thus necessitating Air. Lloyd George’s presence in London. The “Daily Chronicle’s” Lobbyist says : “Sinn Fein regards the Britigh Government’s offer as generous, or one which should form the basis of further negotiations. SIGNIFICANT DEPARTURES. Recd. 11 a.m. LONDON, August 12 Lord Fitralan (Viceroy) and General Alacready has left Dublin for London. ARCHBISHOP MANNIX. Recd. 10.30 a.m. SYDNEY, This Day. Considerable indignation is voiced in the Press correspondence over Archbishop Mannix’s welcome being allowed lengthily to block the city’s tram and other traffic, and flaunt the Sinn Fein flag. In view of previous happenings, the writers are inclined to regard the wel-, come in the light of coat-trailing.