HOSTILITIES AT AN END.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLI, Issue XLI, 11 July 1921, Page 5

HOSTILITIES AT AN END.

»B VALERA TO MEEr IX'OXD

/GEORGE.

LONDON, July 8. Official «=* Arrangements have been made for hostilities to cease in Ireland at noon on Monday. This arrangement is in consequence t>f the following correspondence. Mr Lloyd George) writing to Lord MkUeton (t&e Unionist leader of South Ireland) on July 7, said: "The Government i'ully realise, it is impossible to conduct negotiations "with any hope of satisfactory results if there is bloodshed and violence m Ireland; it would disturb the atmosphere and make, the attainment «t \ peace difficult. As soon as I hear that De Valera is prepared to enter a «onferenoe with the British Governfil ment/and has, given Instructions to

those under his control to cease acts of violence, we shall give instructions Ifco the troops and the police to cease ■their activities and operations against those engaged in thiß unfortunate conflict." : Do Valera replied:

"The desire you express on the part of the British Government to end the centuries of conflict between the two peoples of the two islands, and establish relations oT neighbourly harmony, is fne genuine desire of tfie people of Ireland. I consulted my colleagues and secured the views or the representatives of the minority of our nation in regard/to the invi-1 tation you sent, and I desire to say! that I am ready to meet you to dis- j «uss on what .basis such a conference! as that proposed can reasonably hoPe to achieve the object desired."