AT GATES OF PEACE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XI, Issue 238, 12 October 1921, Page 5

AT GATES OF PEACE

Irish Conference Opens ARRANGEMENT OF PROCEDURE. SCENES IN THE STREETS. .WOMEN SING AND RECITE ROSARY. [By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.! (Received 12, 8.50 a.m.) London, Oct. 11. The Irish conference met this morning. The proceedings were mainly devoted to arranging procedure. Hundreds of Irish women assembled in the streets in the vicinity of Downing Street, waving Sinn Fein flags. They sang supplicatory hymns for Divine assistance and recited the Rosary.

All the British delegates were present except Air. Chamberlain, who is unwell. —(A. and N.Z.)

DE VALERA’S MANIFESTO. STERN DETERMINATION OF IRISH FEAR OF DISRUPTION. London, Oct, 11. Mr. de Valera has issued a proclamation to the Irish people, saying:—■ “Our delegates unanimously desire that the secular conflict between the rulers of Britain and tho Irish people may happily end. The only peace that can end the struggle will bo a peace consistent with the nation’s right, guaranteeing a freedom worthy of the suffering endured to secure it. “It is not the skill and statesmanship of leaders that will end this conflict, but the stern determination of a close-knit nation, steeled to the acceptance of death rather than tho abandonment of rightful liberty. Nothing but such determination by our people can overcome ’the forces with which the delegates have to control. By heroic endurance and suffering Ireland gained tho position she holds. “Were the prospect of further horrors and further sacrifices to cause her to quail or falter for a moment, all would again be lost. Threats that could force surrender in one vital particular would be relied on to force surrender in another till all would be gone. Ireland must stand where she is, unyielding and fearless, on the rock of right, or be out-manoeuvred and defeated in detail.

“The power against us will use everv artifice it knows of, in the hope of dispiriting, dividing, and weakening

us. We must all beware. Essential unity can best be maintained by unwavering faith in those deputed to act on the nation’s behalf and confidence, manifesting itself in eloquent discipline, to the end.”—(A. and N.Z.) COALITION’S WEAKNESS. SPEECH BY VISCOUNT GREY. ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNER IN EMPIRE.

London, Oct 11. Viscount Grey, at Berwick-on-Tweed, delivered his first political speech since his retirement in 1916. Ho said the next election would be fought on issues made plainer during the war. The Coalition had justified itself during the wartime, but had now an unsettled policy, jumbling and changing its poli ties, which had impaired the public confidence. The Coalition would not make an offer to Ireland, until the reprisals failed, which was dangerous, because the Irishmen are now negotiating with a sense of victory. The Irish delegates are now not dealing with a Government; they are begin ning to deal for the first time with British public opinion. It would be dangerous if the Irish delegates should force the negotiations to a point at which Britishers believe self-preserva-tion is endangered. Dominion partnership was equal partnership with only one foreign policy. If this is the solution at which the Government aims, it must have the consent of the other dominions. It cannot bring a new partner to the Imperial Council Board on the same terms as the other partners without the latter’s goodwill. Britain and Ireland cannot secure naval defence for either island unless defence is under one authority. A partitioned Ireland would never realise the Irish aspirations. The attempt Ito coerce Ulster must fail. Ulster’s 1 ; aid must be won by the rest of Ire- i land.—(A. and N.Z.) BREACHES OF THE TRUCE. ! STRICTER OBSERVANCE NEEDED REMINDERS FOR SINN FEIN. ! London, Oct. 10. ' The “Daily Telegraph” says:—“A stricter observance of the truce is essential to the success of the Irish Conference. There have been big parados of the Irish Republican Army, with bombing instructions, in many I places. High rankers in the I.R.A. visiting the camps made inflammatory epeeches. There has recently been I extensive landing of arms. Notices declaring a boycott of Enelish goods were posted broadcast in Dublin last week. The seizure and destruction of Belfast goods consignecf to provincial traders continue. The I.R.A. has commandeered Government property and private premises for army purposes. The conference cannot meet in a pro- ; per atmosphere while this continues. | Regarding the suggested release of internees, the Sinn Feiners must remember this is an armistice, and it is ' impossible te release prisoners until ’ peace is actually signed.”—(A. and ;N.Z.)