PEACE FOR IRISH

Taranaki Daily News, 30 April 1923, Page 5

PEACE FOR IRISH

WARFARE STOPS TO-DAY. ORDER BY THE REBELS. READY TO NEGOTIATE. OFFER BY DE VALERA. THE TERMS STATED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright London, April 28. The Irish rebel leader, de Valera, has issued a proclamation offering to negotiate peace. The Republican army announces the suspension of hostilities from noon on Monday. Received April 28, 5.5 p.m. London, April 28. The collapse of the rebel government, which has been expected since the vigorous Free State campaign resulted in the capture of so many leaders, was revealed to-day j-y the proclamation of de Valera expressing willingness to negotiate for peace, and also by the rebel army order suspending hostili t’es. It is the general hope that this means the end of the long guerilla warfare, 9 The de Valera manifesto is characterised bv the usual wordiness, and proclaims thai the “Government of the Republic” is anxious to contribute its share to the movement for peace, founded on the following principles: THE PEACE TERMS. (1) The Sovereign rights of the’nation to be indefensible and inalienable. (2) That all legitimate governmental authority is derived exclusively from the people. (3) The ultimate eourt of appeal deciding disputed questions of n«tional expenditure is for the people of Ireland’s judgment, a majority vote of the adult citizenry. On the decision being obeyed, resistance and vigilance will be excluded, not because the decision is necessarily right, just, or permanent, but because the acceptance makes for peace, order and unity, and is the democratic alternative to arbitration by peace. (4) No individual or individuals subscribing to those principles of national right and order for the good of citizenship can be justly excluded by any political test or other device from a proper share in the influence of determining the national policy, or from a council or parliament of the nation. The military forces are servants of the nation and subject to the foregoing and amenable to the national assembly when freely elected by the people. (5) Freedom of the assembly speech and fhe press to prevail. The proclamation hones this advance will be met in the spirit made and supported by all loving the country and desiring a speedy and just ending to the national trouble. THE ARMY ORDER. The Army order to officers commanding and others is signed by a Frank Aiken, Chief of Staff, and states: In order to give effect to the decision of the government and the 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 whilst remaining on the defensive, that ail units take adequate measures to protect themselves and their munitions. The guerilla warfare, which has now lasted 15 months, was announced as a consequence of de Valera's refusal, on December 12, 1921. to ratify the agreement signed at Downing Street between representatives of the Imperial Government and Sinn FeinSir Hamar Greenwood (formerly Chief Secretary for Ireland) said: “Ireland is the parent country of millions of Irishmen throughout the world, who will rejoice to know that peace has returned to their mother country.” . The Daily Chronicle states, editorially : p lt is true this is not unconditional surrender. The terms are vague and de not constitute a real basis of settlement, unless 5t it understood the republicans are prepared to accept the verdict of popular elections.” AN EARLY ELECTION. An Australian Press Association special message states de Valera will agree to the dumping or destruction of arms and the release of prisoners. He stipulates an early general election and loyalty to whatever Government is elected. An Australian Press Association special tnessage from Dublin states Messrs, de Valera.. Routledge, Aitken, Pilkington and Parry, and what remains of the republican government and army, are prepared to accept the following terms of peace: (1) The complete dumping of all arms finder the supervision of de Valera, who wil’ :gree to their complete destruction. (2) The return home of all republicans an arms. (3) The cessation by the Free State Govgrr.rcent of all raids and arrests. (41 The release of all prisoners; all alleged criminal prisoners to be dealt with by of the Free State and republicans, with a neutral chairman. (Monsignor Luzio is suggested.) (5) That every adult male and female be allowed to vote at a general election to be held as soon as possible in May. (6) An undertaking by both sides that, Whatever Government is elected, its opponents will not resort to armed force, but will exercise their opposition in a constitutional manner. «. ♦ 1 The correspondent adds that he is 01 bpinion that the Free State will not agree to these terms as outlined. Nevertheless peace is expected soon, perhaps next week Monsignor Luzio is working hard on thi< gubject.—Aua.-N.Z. Cable Assn. EARLY ANSWER EXPECTED. PROPOSALS NOT ACCEPTABLE. END TO WARFARE LIKELY. Received April 29, 5.5 p.m. London, April 29. The Free State Government is giving host careful consideration to dt kalera’s proclamation. The Irish Times states a reply w il hot be long delayed. A view mucl favored is that the proposals will noi be accepted, but the suspension of hos tilities will be lasting. Meantime, th< tree State’s military activity has noi been relaxed in Dublin, whara there an

armed patrols and lorries of men everywhere. Freeman’s Journal says de Valera could easily make the position clear by leaving the issue to the people, who are the final court of appeal, and aban doning 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 majority opinions, however unpalatable. The Sunday Express says de Valera calls it a truce, but it is a surrender. LEGALITY OF DEPORTATIONS. CURIOUS POSITION ARISES. 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 Cabinet considered the matter to-night, and the Court of Appeal to-day will give its decision on an application for habeas corpus on behalf of Art. O’Brien. It is pointed out this will govern other cases. Should the court’s decision be against the Home Secretary, it is predicted th? Government will have no alternative to asking Parliament to pass an Act of indemnity to absolve the Home Secretary from the penalties which might attach to the recent deportations. This is understood to be the opinion of the majority of Cabinet.