WAR OR PEACE ?

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XI, Issue 199, 16 August 1921, Page 5

WAR OR PEACE ?

Choice Rests With Sinn Fein.

IRELAND’S GREAT OPPORTUNITY.

American Press Opinion.

WAY TO SETTLEMENT STILL OPEN.

[By Cable. Press Assn. Copyright.] (Received 16, 11.30 a.m.) New York, Aug. 15. The New York “Globe” and the “Tost” agree Mr. Lloyd George’s offer is generous. A serious responsibility devolves upon De Valera if he recklessly prevents peace by clinging to unreasonable demands. The “Post” says:— It is within the power of Sinn Fein leaders to win for Ireland a position so legally and morally impregnable as to satisfy the full aspirations of the Irish people. To permit age-long animosity to frustrate that would be an act of wanton recklessness. The “Globe” considers the offer the best conceivable. It believes Mr. Lloyd George honestly attempted to solve the problem. If the Republicans refuse they cannot say as much for themselves. IRISH PRESS COMMENT. TRAGIC TO FAIL NOW. (Received 16, 9.10 a.m.) London, Aug. 15. The "Irish Independent,” commenting on the settlement proposals, says: —“It would be tragic if negotiations were broken off. We still strongly hope that there will be a satisfactory settlement. There are three militarists who are anxious to prevent a peaceable settlement. They should not be allowed to have their way. The prospect for Ireland is appalling if intensified warfare is resumed.” The "Irish News” says:—"Xhe. British Government planned the publication of General Smuts’ letter as a. prelude to the publication of all correspondence, so that Irishmen suniomned to Dublin Mansion House this week would be confronted with a problem of enormous difficulty, and would be compelled immediately to take on their shoulders the tremendous responsibility of determining the question of peace or war without further negotiations.” The Belfast “Telegraph” says:—"The Government has been magnanimous: to a point of folly. Ireland will be insane to the point of criminality if she rejects the terms. The Sinn’Fein proposals if carried out would mean immediate civil war.” The paper describes the foreign arbitration proposal as an outrageous insult. The “Northern Whig” says the terms offered to the Sinn Feine: s would bring about the disintegration of the Empire. Britain’s bitterest enemy could not ask for easier methods of bringing about her destruction than what Mr. Lloyd George offered. The way De Valera writes about peace is sickening. Perhaps he imagines if he murders a few hundred more policemen and soldiers Mr. Lloyd George will grant him the right to secede, but the British Government that agreed to secession would have a short life. The Cork “Examiner” says it must be borne in mind that the terms Offered for Southern Ireland ire. infinitely better than what Ulster obtains under the Partition Act, and there seems a possibility of making an even better settlement than that outlined. —(A. and N.Z.) VIEWS OF ENGLISH PAPERS. (Received 16, 12.15 p.m.) , London, Aug. 15. The "Manchester Guardian” says the choice lies with Ireland. All her best friends and most resolute opponents hope she will not close the door to peace. The “Daily News” refuses to believe the Irish will allow the present golden opportunity tb be lost. The “Daily Herald” says the Government has been driven by sheer weight of public opinion to concede Ireland a big portion of what she demands and she intends to stand by whatever decision is arrived at. It is their right and responsibility to make the decision alone. — (United Service.) (Received 16, 12.20 p.m.) London, Aug. 15. The “Northern Whig” says :— The rebels may take what is offered or compel the Government to undertake the. reconquest of the West and South. The Government will undertake the duty reluctantly but will discharge it completely finally or make way for a. Government which will give more adequate expression to the will of the British people.—(A. and N.Z.)