IRISH SPLIT AVERTED

Gisborne Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6321, 25 February 1922, Page 5

IRISH SPLIT AVERTED

EFFECT OF SINN FEIN BARGAIN DECISIVE BATTLE TO TAKL PLACE AT POLLS. SIGNATORIES TO TREATY INVITED TO LONDON. (United Press Association —Copyright.) LONDON, Feb. 23. The Irish Times states that the Sinn Fein bargain cheeks the natural development of the split for "three months, during which both parties can make themselves ready for a decisive battle at the polls. It is manifest, however, 1 that the Provisional Government wanted a truce so badly that it was willing to pay a heavy price. Do Valera’s defeating of, Collins’ plan for an early election has strengthened the treaty’s enemies in the Imperial Parliament. Furtho,more lie will take the framing of tlie constitution out of the hands of the first Parliament.

Freeman’s Journal states that tlie Dail Eireann Ministers have certainly taken a risk,-but the country'will approve of the decision to put something to hazard, in the hope of reaching an ultimate agreement. The Independent argues that if it is not a complete reconciliation, there is at least mutual forbearance with the possibility 0 f an ultimate agreement.

Liberal English newspapers regard Mr De Valera’s victory as superfical. They argue that if Sinn Feiners are satisfied with the truce outsiders have no reason not to welcome it; although it is conceivable that differences over the constitution may complicate the elections. The Conservative press view the position with misgiving. They declare that the Republican army is the governing factor m Ireland, and Mr Collins will, as a last resource, have to do its bidding. Mr De Valera, in securing the postponement of the elections, has achieved a Republican victory. In the House of Commons, Mr Churchill said that the Government had invited the signatories to tlie Irish treaty to come to London for an early conference on the whole situation in consequence of the postponement of the Irish elections. Mr Chamberlain announced that the debate on the Irish Treaty Bill will not be resumed next week. Mr Justice McCardie has been selected to conduct the Clones inquiry, which begins next week. DUBLIN EXCITED. TREATY SUPPORTERS APPREHENSIVE. SERIOUS "POSSIBILITIES. (Received Feb. 25, 1 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 24. Dublin is excited over the summoning of the Irish plenipotentiaries to London and the postponement of the Commons debate on the Treaty Bill. Supporters of the treaty are apprehensive but hopeful that Air Griffith and Air Oollins will satisfy the British Cabinet that the postponement of the Irish elections is the wisest course in the extremely ctnficult circumstances.

Tlie Daily Express’ Dublin correspondent states that the Provisional Government’s compact with the Republicans raises serious possibilities. If the constitution is rejected at the general election so will the treaty also. There is a possibility that the constitution, when drafted, may not meet with the approval of the Imperial Parliament, in which case the treaty will be in-operative. DE VALERA’S FOLLOWERS. ERECTING THE PARTY MACHINE. LONDON, Feb. 23. After tlie Arfheis’ adjournment Do Valera’s followers met for the purpose of creating a party electoral machine. A propaganda fund was inaugurated and sub-committtees were formed in each constituency. It is stated that each committee will have a proportion of the Republican Army officers.

ff’he evacuation of British troops is steadily proceeding. East Limerick is clear of British troops. A Sinn Fein inquest exonerated Huddleston. He is seventy years of age. Brigadier O’Connell of the I.R.A. gave evidence that raiders fired through the door first. Huddleston replied from tlie inside. In the oxchaniro Duffy was killed.—A. and NZ.C.A.