TROUBLED IRELAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18293, 9 July 1921, Page 9

TROUBLED IRELAND

PEACE EFFORTS. QUESTION OF A TRUCE. GENERAL SMUTS’S ADVICE. Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, July 6. It is understood that as a result of General Smuts’s visit Mr De Valera will come to London. The feeling in Dublin favours General Smuts presiding at the conference. Sir James Craig and Lord Midleton had interviews with Mr Lloyd George. These informal conversations are believed to relate to the matter of arranging a truce in Ireland. General Smuts, speaking in London, said that the Irish question affects the whole Empire. He believed that if it is given a better atmosphere it is a solvable problem. The same problem was solved m South Africa by wisdom, forbearance, and give and take.—A. and N.Z. Cable. SINN FEIN STATEMENT. NOT HOSTILE TO THE NORTH. LONDON, July 7. A Sinn Fein bulletin states: The rest of Ireland is not hostile to the North. We offer more generous terms and a more dignified Legislature than Mr ’ Lloyd George has given, conditionally on the North-east not being allowed to be used as a bridgehead for the conquest and subjection of the rest of Ireland.”—A. and N.Z. Cable.

POSSIBLE LINE OF SETTLEMENT.

TWO DOMINION PARLIAMENTS,

LONDON, July 7. The Daily Express states that when the Southern Unionists return to Ireland they will be able to indicate vaguely the Government’s intentions. Mr Do Valera cannot have a republic or a united Ireland. A possible line of settlement is believed to ho the establishment of two Dominion Governments in Ireland, with implied reconsideration of the Imperial contributions, which the Horae Rule Act fixed at £18,000,000.—A. and N.Z. Cable.

THE AMERICAN FLAG.

CHARGE AGAINST CROWN FORCES.

LONDON, July 6,

An official Dublin message states: It is alleged that on July 4 the Crown Forces hauled down and seized tho American flag from the residence of the United States Consul. If on investigation the offenders are discovered to bo Crown employees suitable punishment will be forthcoming.— A. and N.Z. Cable.

INCENDIARISM.

SPRINGFIELD CASTLE DESTROYED

LONDON, July 6. Lord Muskerry’s residence, Springfield Castle, was burned by an armed force.— A. and N.Z. Cable.

ATTEMPTED AMBUSH FAILS.

THREft REBELS KILLED.

LONDON, July 6. Twenty Sinn Femora, with machine guns, attempted to ambush a party of special police in Donegal. Tho police opened fire, killing three Sinn Feiners.— A. and N.Z. Cable.

GENERAL SMUTS’S VISIT,

AUDIENCE W r ITH THE KING.

'LONDON, July 7.. (Received July 8, at 9.5 p.m.) The King received General Smuts in audience. General Smuts reported on the result of his recent visit to Ireland. It is understood that General Smuts is not too hopeful, believing that the* extremists hold sway and that they will refuse to recede from their demand for a Republic. They do not appear anxious to find a middle course.

Replying to a question in the House J Commons Mr Lloyd George said he understood that General Smuts went to Ireland at Mr De Valera’s invitation. He did not know whether any other dominion Prime Ministers intended to visit Ireland. They would not attend the conference between tho Sinn Fein leaders and Sir Jas. Craig.—A. and N.Z. Cable.