REBELS COLLAPSE

Southland Times, Issue 18928, 30 April 1923, Page 5

REBELS COLLAPSE

DE VALERA'S OFFER TERMS FOR SURRENDER STATED (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright). (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, April 28. j The collapse of the rebel Government, ; which has been expected since the vigorous Free State campaign resulted in the capI ture of so many leaders, was revealed to- ■ day by the proclamation of De Valera, ex- ■ pressing willingness to negotiate for peace, ' also a rebel army order suspending hostiliI ties. It is the general hope that this means I the end of the long guerilla warfare. i De Valera’s manifesto states that “his ! Government” is anxious to contribute its , share to the movement for a peace founded on the following principals: (1) The Sovereign rights of the nation are inalienable. (2) That all legitimate governmental authority is derived exclusively from the people. (3> The ultimate Court of Appeal for deciding disputed questions on national expenditure, is for the people of Ireland’s judgment, being a majority vote of the adult citizency and the decision being obeyed. Resistance and violence are excluded, not because the decision is necessarily right, just and permanent, but because acceptance makes for peace, order, and unity and is the democratic alternative to arbitration by peace. (4) No individual or individuals subscribing to those principals of national right and good citizenship can be justly excluded by any political oath, test or other device from a proper share in the, influence of determining the national policy of or from the council or parliament of the nation. The military forces are the servants of the nation and are subject to the foregoing and amenable to the national assembly when it is freely elected by the people. (5) The freedom of assembly, of speech and of the press is to prevail. The proclamation expresses the hope that this advance will be met in the spirit in which it is made and will be supported by all loving their country and desiring a speedy and just ending to the national trouble. The Army Order to “officers commanding and others,” is signed Frank Aitken, chief of staff. It says: In order to give effect to the decision of the Government and Army Council embodied in the proclamation of this date, you will arrange for the suspension of all offensive operations in your area from noon on April 30. You will ensure that whilst remaining on the defensive all units take adequate measures to protect themselves and their munitions. Guerilla warfare, which has now lasted fifteen months, was announced as a consequence of De Valera’s refusal on December 12, 1921, to ratify the agreement signed at Downing Street between the representatives of the Imperial Government and Sinn Fein. Sir Hamar Greenwood said that Ireland is the parent country of millions of Irishmen throughout the world who would rejoice to know that peace had returned to their country. The Daily Chronicle states editorially: “It is true that this is not an unconditional surrender. The terms are vague and do not constitute a real basis of settlement, unless it is understood that the Republicans are prepared to accept the verdict of popular elections, but it is the time to settle.” The Australian Press Association’s special message states: De Valera will agree to the dumping or destruction of arms and the release of prisoners. He stipulates for an early general election and loyalty to whatever government is elected. That every adult male and female be allowed to vote at a general election to be hald as soon as May 6 with the undertaking by both sides that whatever Government is elected, its opponents will not resort to armed force, but will exercise their oppositoin in a constitutional manner. The correspondent adds he is of the opinion that the Free State will not agree to these terms as outlined. Nevertheless peace is expected scon, perhaps next week. Monsignor Luzio is working hard on this subject. THE REBELS’ TERMS. LONDON, April 28. (Received April 29, 5.5 p.m.) An Australian Press Association special e essage from Dublin states that De Valera, Boutledge, Aitken, Pilkington and Parry, with what remains of the Republican Government Army, are prepared to accept the following terms: — (1) Complete dumping of all arms under supervision (De Valera will agree to their complete destruction) „ (2) The return home of all Republicans in arms. (3) Cessation by the Free State Government of all raids and arrests. (4) Release of all prisoners, all alleged criminal prisoners to be dealt with by repiesentatives of the Free State and Republicans with a neutral chairman (Monaignor Luzio is suggested). COMMENT ON SITUATION LONDON, April 29. (Received April 29, 11.55 p.m.) The Free State Government is giving most careful consideration to De Valera’s proclamation. The Irish Times states a reply will not be long delayed. A view much favoured is that the proposals will not be accepted, but the suspension of hostilities will be lasting. Meantime the Free State military activity has not been relaxed in Dublin, where armed patrols and lorries of men are everywhere. Freeman’s Journals say that De Valera could easily make his position clear by leaving the issue to the people, who are the final court of appeal, and abandoning the weapons which have been employed to intimidate that court. ■ The Observer remarks that De Valera has recognised that the principles of democracy debar a civilised people from armed opposition to the majority’s opinions, however unpalatable they may be. The Sunday Express says: “De Valera calls it a truce; it is a surrender.” EMIGRANTS FOR CANADA. LONDON, April 29. ( Received April 29, 11.5 p.m.). A record departure of Irish emigrants from Belfast to Canada is reported. Six hundred left tc-day, mostly farm workers from the Free State counties. AN EXPLOSION IN DUBLIN. LONDON, April 27. This mcrning three men and a woman drove up to the portico of the Grand Central Cinema Theatre in O’Connell street and deposited a mine in the vestibule. A terrific explosion wrecked the vestibule and smashed all the windows in the vicinity. Two pasers-by were slightly injured. ENGLISH DEPORTATIONS. THE AUTHORITY IN DOUBT. LONDON, April 27. A curious position has arisen in connection with the recent Irish deportations which have been the subject of consultations between Ministers and law officers. A meeting of the Cabinet considered the matter to-night, and the Court of Appeal to-day gives its decision on the application for a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of Art O’Brien. It is pointed cut that this will govern the other cases. Should the Court’s decision be against the Home Secretary it is predicted that the Government will have no alternative to asking Parliament to pass an Act of Indemnity to absolve the Heme Secretary from penalties which might attach to the act of the recent deportations.

This is understood to be the opinion of the majority of the Cabinet. LEGALISING BETTING. LONDON, April 27. It is reported that the Free State Government is sympathetically considering a scheme for legalising betting, which the turf club approves. THE ENVOYS IN AUSTRALIA. WILL CONTINUE CAMPAIGN. SYDNEY, April 28. It is understood the Irish Envoys will continue their campaign with the object of stating the case for the Republic and collecting funds for the relief of distress caused by the fighting. It is stated the authorities regard relief of distress as a pretence which will not be tolerated by law. MELBOURNE, April 28. Mr Bruce announced that he was glad to know New South Wales had power to suppress the Irish Republican campaign. The Commonwealth had not power since the repeal of the Precautions Act. While many insulting statements had incensed Australians, they were not of such a character as to permit Commonwealth action. He notified the British authorities that the envoys were certified to by the British authorities’ carelessness which, to say the least, was embarrassing. Had they not the protection of passports or had the Commonwealth been advised of their mission, action would have been taken before they stepped off the boat.