THE IRISH TREATY.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2005, 22 December 1921, Page 5

THE IRISH TREATY.

POINT OF DIFFERENCE. “ONLY A SHADOW.” DISORDER IN THE DAIL. [By Electric Cable—Copyright.] [Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Wednesday, 8.5 p.m.) LONDON, December 21, Dail Eireann opened at least half an late, and when Mr Collins walked into the Council Chamber at the appointed time it was absolutely empty. Members were chattering in the corridors, and when the Speaker entered Mr Collins protested at the habitual unpunctuality of members and was promised that Dali Eireann would meet punctually on Wednesday. Tuesday’s meeting showed that Mr De Valera’s strength is due to the fact that a large element in Dail Eireann is sublimely different to the existence of public opinion and only responds to the influences within its own special groups. Mr Milroy described Mr De Valera as a man who, without the aid of argument or logic, swayed his audiences by a wild and impassioned tornado of denunciation, and talked across the prostrate forms of his victims. It was not statesmanship, but wild fury. Document number two, as Mr De Valera’s secret treaty was described, loomed like a spectre during the greater part of the debate, until Mr Milroy disclosed its gist. Mr Milroy said he was not quoting an Englishman, but Mr De Valera himself, when he said the difference between the two documents was only a shadow. He then read Mr De Valera's oath, dramatically pointing to Mr De Valera. Messrs Burgess and Milroy asked whether they were going to send the youth of Ireland to its death for such a shadow? Mr De Valera sprang up, white with passion, and faced the Moderates, who were triumphant for a minute or two. Mr De Valera, .Mr Griffith, the Countess Markievltz, and several others were also on foot, protesting. Mr Griffith demanded that the whole treaty should be published. When semi-order had been restored Mr De Valera shouted angrily: "If that is published all the documents must be made public." Mr Milroy stated that if Dail Eireann rejected the treaty without consulting the people it would be autocratic. He supported a democratic decision by the people. The issue was not the treaty against a republic, but against Mr De Valera’s alternative. Would members prefer Mr De Valera’s oath to the treaties? (Cries of “Yes" and "No.',’) Mr Milroy: "The cat is now out of the bag. This is the real issue.” Mr De Valera: “It is most unfair to quote a secret document with the object of prejudicing the public.” Mr Griffith: "People ought to know that this is our only difference. Why has not the Cabinet’s instruction to the delegation been published?” Mr De Valera undertook to publish all the correspondence. Mr Griffith responded: “The sooner the better.” Mr Macarten, formerly Republican Ambassador to Washington, said the division in the Cabinet was a mock division. Each element was responsible for the betrayal of Ireland. The republic had been betrayed, not in London by the delegation, but in Dublin by the Cabinet. Internationally the republic was dead. Dail Eireann has adjourned until tomorrow.

NO ULTIMATUM. MR BARTON’S STORY A TRAVESTY. (Received Wednesday, 8.5 p.m.) LONDON, December 20. There Is now talk of a decision by Thursday, but many members wish to adjourn until after Christmas, though responsible members point out the danger of delay. The British Ministers in London do not regard Mr Barton’s description of the Downing Street proposals as fair. They say the Irish signatures were not obtained under duress and that there was no dramatic ultimatum by Mr Lloyd George, such as, "Sign, or face war between Britain and Ireland.’’ This is a travesty of the real happenings, though Mr Lloyd George certainly recalled the seriousness of the results If settlement were not achieved. , GUNMEN IN BELFAST. VIGOROUS MEASURES ADOPTED. (Received Wednesday, 8.5 p.m.) LONDON, December 20. Sniping and shooting are of daily occurrence in parts of Belfast. Last night the military surrounded a large area infested with gunmen and carried out a house to house search. They captured quantities of arms and ammunition, effecting thirty arrests, and made a bayonet charge on gunmen in Cupar Street and Falls Road, Belfast. Sinn Fein circles report a complete amnesty to all political prisoners, including those sentenced to death, to operate before Christmas if the treaty is ratified. AN IRISH COURT. DEMANDED BY PRISONERS. (Received Wednesday, 8.30 p.m.) j LONDON, December 21. On the application of the defence, the Chief Justice at Belfast adjourned, till January 11th, the trial of fifteen prisoners charged with the murder of two constables In Londonderry Gaol. A temporary warder named Leonard alone recognised the Court, the others stating that they would only recognise a Court controlled by the Irish Free State.