GENERAL SMUTS MEDIATES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21520, 17 June 1933, Page 10

GENERAL SMUTS MEDIATES

In London to represent South Africa at the World Economic Conference, General Sinuts is reported to be attempting to mediate in the differences between Britain and the Irish Free State. He is peculiarly fitted to play the part. He should be recognised by even Mr. de Valera as unlikely to be swayed by the motives that somewhat difficult personage is so ready to impute to all who do not see exactly eye to eye with himself. More than this, General Smuts has played the role before. While attending the Impeiial Conference in 1921 he conducted informal negotiations with the Sinn Fein leaders during the truce which preceded the settlement that established the Free State. To increase the coincidence, it was with Mr. de Valera himself that General Smuts parleyed. lie then represented the Sinn Vein movement, though it was Mr. Arthur Griffiths and Mr. Michael Collins who actually negotiated and signed the treaty. Mr. de Valera then showed the same inability to compromise which has distinguished him in discussion of the points now at issue with Great Britain. General Smuts had little success in 1921 so far as persuading }lr. de Valera was concerned, though his mediatory offices were acknowledged to have been of great value in other directions. It, will be of special interest to see whether he will fare better now. The report that Mr. de Valera is not disposed to negotiate is not hopeful; but General Smuts is not likely to be easily discouraged. His perseverance is as great as his belief in Empire unity.