IRISH TRUCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, 12 July 1921, Page 5

IRISH TRUCE

FROM SHADOW_TO SUNLIGHT WIDESPREAD HOPES OF PEACE (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Published in the Times.) LONDON, July 10. The Times' Dublin correspondent states that only those living through ihe past terror can realise the profound relief and thankfulness with which all parties and creeds welcomed (he truce. Saturday was a day of thankfulness. The political atmosphere was rdlectcd in the looks and voices of the people, who moved and talked freely and gaily, for tho cloud m fear and depression had been lifted. All hough further scattered crimes have been reported", tho, truce was anticipated by forty-eight hours, unanimously welcomed, and generously observed.

The press is delighted. The Irish Times voices Ihe Southern Unionists’ gratitude for the sudden and blessed change from shadow to sunlight. The first and best thanks are due to His Majesty for his Belfast speech--one of the 'greatest services tho throne ever rendered the State. Public opinion is that it is a hard task to make a truce, but that it will In- harder still to break it. lor this reason Irishmen are not disposed to criticise the actual terms, refusing to believe that hostilities will bo resumed. It is generally believed the Republican loaders arc able to enforce the truce though occasional violences may perhaps be committed. There is much comment on Downing Street’s use of the hostilities” as implying a recognition of the belligerent status of the Republican army. This is likely to have important consequences in the negotiation. It also imposes a duty on tho Republicans to carry out the truce according t o I lie strict standards of civilized warfare. Widespread hope exists that Do Valera's visit to London will result in peace. Irish popular interest continues in the peace negotiations. Praying queues are not only seen in Dublin and Cork, bub also in the churches of poor London districts, where humble folk crowded all day on Sunday praying earnestly. . \ Abundant evidence accrues that tne truce is making pathetic appeals to the sympathies of the common people. Meanwhile turbulent elements continue the warfare in Belfast, where the day’s deaths total nine. More than a hundred wounded were sent to the hospital. Tho situation, is rapidly becoming worse and infantry haA-c been ordered to turn out. ■ An outbreak occurred in Cork, where a young boy was killed. The body of a chauffeur labelled “convicted spy” was found neat Cashel. Two brothers, farmers, were shot by masked men at Roscommon.