BRITAIN'S OFFER TO IRELAND

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLI, Issue XLI, 15 August 1921, Page 8

BRITAIN'S OFFER TO IRELAND

DE VALERA'S REPLY.

BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT (Received August 15, WAS a.m.) LONDON. Aueust 14. i Official: Mr De Valera's letter to Mr ' Lloyd George asserts that the British proposals are such as the Irish people could not accept. He claims to negotiate .with Britain as a separate foreign Power. Mr Lloyd George, in^reply, declines to discuss the question in public o,r to refer the matter to the arbitration of a foreign Power. The text of Mr De Valera's letter states: "After consulting nay colleagues they confirm the declaration that the British proposals are such as the Dail Ereann could not and the Irish people would not accept. "We do not contemplate the use of force towards Ulster. If the British Government stands aside we can effect a complete conciliation. I cannot admit the British right to mutilate our country. \Ve are ready to meet you in all that is reasonable and just. We have no conditions to impose and no claims, but that we be freed from aggression. Ireland's right to choose the path she shall take to realise her destiny must he accepted as indisputable. It is mine and my colleague's conviction that true friendship towards England which military coercion has frustrated for centuries can be obtained readily through amicable but absolute separation.".