The Star. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1920. HOPES DASHED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16305, 21 December 1920, Page 6

The Star. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1920. HOPES DASHED.

The letter which Father O'Flanagan sent to Mr Lloyd George acted' as a complete extinguisher to any hopes of an early Irish peace. The aoting-Sinn Fein leader must have changed his mind after sending his previous communications, because a more irreconcilable letter than his last could not have been penned. His iiuali pronouncement was that the only way to peace was to arrange a treaty by direct negotiations with the head of the Irish nation, President do Valera. “This,” ho said, “ is the only possible road to reconciliation, which is Vital to the interests of both nations." The rev. Father may have been goaded' to fury by the murder of Canon Magnar and incendiarism at Cork, but it is typical of the Sinn Fein mind that while reprisals of that description are works of the darkest iniquity, the killing of soldiers and policemen is no murder, and tho destruction of Government property Is no crime. Mr Lloyd George made a dignified reply . to Father O’Flanagjui’s effusion, when ho expressed his regret that his correspondent had closed the door on tho counsels of goodwill which lie had himself invoked. There are, however, other forces which arc working for peace, and though the outlook is not particularly bright something may yet be achieved. Wo do not refer to the military activities of tho forces in Ireland, but to the part which is being taken by prominent churchmen and statesmen in an effort to find a basis of peace. Eany in December London was much interested in the negotiations between Archbishop Cluno, of Perth, Western Australia, and tho Prime Minister. Tho Archbishop became famous m a day. Previously ho was unknown, even to the London Irish, but for a few day 0 lie was tho most important figure in public affaiis. The interest was possibly greater because he was somewhat of a mystery man. Ho had nor appeared publicly, and no journal had published a picture of him. Naturally ho received a great deal of attention from the Press, but the journalists could not overcome his firm refusal to be interviewed. The stories of his conferences with the Prime Minister wbrel confirmed, but there were no official details. The conference was successful to *a certain extent, but it Split on two essentials; (1) The Government demand that the Sinn Fein rebels should lay down their arms, and (2) the Sinn Fein demand that the armistice should include everybody. Archbishop Chine contended that the first demand was impossible, as many outlying parts of Ireland were not controlled, even- by the extremists. The Government refused to extend an amnesty to the leaders, though there seemed to be a probability later on that a very liberal view would be taken. The negotiations, were abandoned jus* l , as suddenly as they were initiated, and Archbishop Clime has left England. It had been revealed, however, that the British Government was prepared to go a long way, and it is unfortunate that Father O’Flanagan has so uncompromisingly 'declared that Binn Fein will not come part of tho wnj This prospects of an early settlement have not been improved by events during the past week, as murder and outrage are still rampant. In the circumstances tho Government has no option but to enforce martial law in disaffected and disorderly areas.