IRELAND

Southland Times, Issue 19256, 21 June 1921, Page 5

IRELAND

INTERVIEW WITH DE VALERA AUSTRALIAN JOURNALIST’S ADVENTURE THE DEMAND FOR INDEPENDENCE. (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, June 19. Mr Sullivan, an Australian journalist, secured an interview with De Valera at the latter’s hiding place. He says it was an adventurous business, the obstructions thereto convincing the interviewer that the British Government is not conniving at the freedom of De Valera’s movements. Discussing Mr Lloyd George's Port Madoc speech, De Valera said his admission that two-thirds of the Irish people desired an independent republic ought to end finally the pretence that the republic was demanded by only a handful of violent extremists. What other course was open in view of the thrice repeated decisive demonstrations of the national plebiscite in which three fourths of the people proved their adherence to the republic? If Mr Lloyd George would face the facts regarding the right of Irish independence as he faced them regarding the strength of Irish opinion for a republic, an understanding between the British and Irish would be much easier to reach.

Asked as to his views reparding suggestion of dominion status, De Valera said no such status was ever offered and until it was possible to translate Ireland to the antipodes or another hemisphere no such status was feasible. In order to secure in practice such freedom as Australia, New Zealand and Canada enjoyed, Irealnd, owing to her proximity to Britain, must be guaranteed as a sovereign independent State. “Those who think we are entitled to the reality of dominion status ought to perceive that so we are entitled to a republic. The fact is that while adherents to the Empire in the dominions enjoy something more than independence, we, in claiming a republic, seek simply independence—nothing more.” Asked if Britain had not good grounds for thinking an independent Ireland would be a danger to her, De Valera said: “This fear is based on the assumption that an independent Ireland would likely be hostile, whereas commonsense and everything else point to the reverse. Ireland has been at enmity with England because England is actively injuring Ireland. As long as aggression continues, enmity will continue. The cementing forces of community of interest have never been permitted to operate because of the violent agitation caused by English aggression and its reaction, namely, Irish resentment. Remove this agitation and you produce a condition which has been impossible through all centuries in the past.” Asked what solution he proposed, he said: A neutral Irish State whose inviolabity is guaranteed by, say, the United States and States of the British Empire and any others that could be secured as signatories. We claim complete control over our destinies, but what we claim for ourselves we desire for others also. A free Ireland would never allow its territory and harbours to be made bases of attack upon England by an outside Power. A native Irish defence force would be many times more effective than any force England could put here, whilst in case of danger England’s own forces would still be i available. Any pledge Ireland gives will be : kept. With an independent Ireland beside I her, Britain would be more and not less safe than now from foreign attacks. Pride of possession obscures not merely England’s sense of justice but her commonsense.” COUNTRY SEATS DESTROYED. ATTACKS ON POLICE AND MILITARY. LONDON, June 20. (Received June 20, 5.5 p.m.) Rebels destroyed Ravensdale Castle, Dundalk. The library contained the only complete set of the journals of the old Irish Parliament. The Courthouse was also destroyed likewise Warrenscourt, Cork, the residence of Sir A. Warren. A patrol of the Wiltshire Regiment was bombed in Dublin from streets and housetops. Seven military and nine civilians were wounded, including three women. A party of Crown forces fought armed civilians at Castlecomr. One rebel was killed and two were wounded. The rebels attacked the police at Thomastown, one constable being killed and one wounded. Many ex-servicemen and other civilians were murdered during the week-end. Attacks on English railways continued in London and Manchester. Three signal boxes were destroyed and one signalman was wounded. Seven arrests were made in London. THE ROYAL VISIT. MURDER OF AN OFFICER. CABINET AND THE FISCAL QUESTION. LONDON, June 20. (Received June 20, 7.50 p.m.) The Daily Herald states that wore than 11,000 troops will guard Belfast during the Royal visit. Not a word is spoken against

their Majesties in Ireland. So far the Lord Mayor’s appeal for £lO,OOO for the purposes of the Royal reception has elicited £1,400. The King’s Belfast speech may contain more than platitudes, perhaps a strong peace appeal. An officer of the Worcester Regiment motoring last night with three ladies at Carricknines, was held up by armed civilians who took the officer from the car and shot him. They then ordered one of the ladies to drive to the mountains, where the officer was taken out and murdered. Reports received from Dublin since midnight state that intense rifle and machinegun fire has broken out. It is believed that a further attack against the Customs House is in progress. To-day’s Cabinet meeting will discuss Irish finance, and it is considered that the result will be fateful. The Liberal members of the Cabinet prefer concessions to continued and intensified coercion. They are supported by certain Unionists. The Premier, Mr Balfour, and Sir Ham ar Greenwood lead the dissentients.

It is estimated that the Irish revenue will be nearly £47,000,000, one-tenth of which only will be controlled by the Irish Parliaments. The reforms in the Cabinet desire to give real fiscal autonomy subject to a payment for Imperial defence practically the same as Australia’s, declaring that this is the only way to salvation and to end civil war. The majority of the House of Commons and Lords will probably support the reformers.

Clothing Week —It is noticeable at all times that when an extra big drive is made at the Progressive Stores with any special line the beam of happy faces gives us one of the most striking of advertisements. This week we are boosting our Men’s and Lads’ Clothing Department. We have got the goods and you have not had the opportunity since pre-war days to get clothing at these low prices—Men’s Shirts, 5/6, 7/6 and 10/6; Doctor Union Shirts, 14/6; Boys’ Shirts, with collars, 4/6 and 5/6; Navy Flannel Unders, 10/6, in Shetland Flannel, 8/11, 9/6 to 12/6; Wool Sox, 2/6 to 4/6; Boys’ Golf Hose, 3/11 to 5/6; Boys’ Jerseys, 8/11 to 12/6; strong Sweater Coats, 21/- to 35/-; Wool Scarves, 5/11 to 9/6; Men’s Wool Gloves, 5/11 to 7/6; Boys’ Wool Gloves, 2/11 to 4/6; Boys’ Suits, 25/.-, 35/- to 45/-; Boys’ Knickers, 7/6 to 12/6; Men’s Ties, 1/- to 3/6; Boys’ Ties, school stripes, 1/- each; Men’s Hats, 10/6 to 25/-; Caps, 5/6 to 7/6; Tweed Hats, 7/6 to 10/6; Men’s Heavy Tweed Overcoats, 59/6, 75/to 95/-; Boys’ Raincoats, 19/6 to 35/-; Men’s Raincoats, 59/6 to 105/-; Boys’ Tweed Overcoats, 15/6 to 25/-; Sports Coats, 29/6, 39/6; Men’s Superior Quality Sac Suits. 75/- to 130/-; I’ardwear Trousers, 10/6; Denim Trousers, 9/6; Drill Combinations. 17/6; Bib Overalls, 12/6. All goods at reduced prices at H. & J. SMITH, LTD., Tay Bt-reet, Invwcargill, and Gore— (Advt.j