SINN FEIN MANNIX

Gisborne Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5537, 20 July 1920, Page 5

SINN FEIN MANNIX

AUSTRALIAN ARCHBISHOP EXPLAINS HIS VIEWS.

“ENGLAND WILL NOT WAR WITH AMERICA.”

VISIT TO IRELAND HAS NO POLITICAL ASPECT.

United Press Association —CupyrialP" NEW YORK, July 18. 'Hie Australian Press Association interviewed Archbishop Mannix. The correspondent asked: “Is there any connection between the Irish Republic and the Archbishop’s mission to Rome?” Dr. Mannix replied: “No, it is a regular visit to the Holy See. expected of every bishop. There is no political aspect in my trip through the United States. I am only taking the opportunity of seeing America, but everywhere I have been I found the enthusiasm for the Irish cause overwhelming.” The correspondent asked: How can the archbishop reconcile his statement fegarding America’s enthusiasm for the Irish cause with the fact that neither the Republican nor the Democratic Convention ‘endorsed recognition of the Irish republic ? Dr. Mannix replied: The Conventions’ action was due to the fact that perhaps the Irish vote was not sufficiently large to bring about an endorsement of recognition, but We must remember more than 400 of 1000 delegates at tlie Democratic Convention voted for recognition.

Tlie correspondent asked: Do you think de Valera was wise in obtaining recognition of a plank from tlie Third Party, since the party has Radical tendencies?

Dr. Mannix replied: De Valera has been judicious throughout. He is not attempting force, or even to indicate to which party Americans would attach themselves. The correspondent asked: Will there bo a possibility that the United States official recognition of Ireland might he a casus belli between the United States and England? Tlie Archbishop replied: England would not at this time go to war with the United States. She could not do it. England might go to war with the United States at some future time, but not now. There might be diplomatic unpleasantness from such a recognition, but the United States could better afford it in the cause of Irish freedom than any other country. He said he had not heard any attempt was likely to be made to prevent his landing in England. He added: “I will visit England after a visit to Ireland. My stay in Ireland is only a return to my home and lias no political aspect.” Dr. Mannix refused to make further comment cm the Ventura incident.—A. and N.Z.C.A.

PROPAGANDA WORK IN AMERICA.

MANNIX AND DE VALEP A ADDRESS I KISH-AMERICANS.

IRELAND AND THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

(Received July 19. 7.3-5 p.m.) NEW YORK July 19

Archbishop Mannix and De Valera delivered speeches in Madison Square Garden before a large gathering of Irish-Americans.

De Valera declared that as president of the Irish Republic lie had signed an order authorising tlie young men of Ireland to fight conscription. Archbishop Mannix said that it (Ireland’s enemy had been Germany then Ireland would now have her freedom. If De Valera could come before the Peace Conference and say that the wrongs suffered by Ireland were due to German oppression then the Peace Conference would give Ireland immediate independence, hut because the wrongs were inflicted by the English De Valera could not go before the Conference. If a popular plebiscite were taken in the United States it would show an overwhelming majority of people for the formal recognition of Ireland.—A. and N.Z.C.A. '