IRISH CONFERENCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16553, 12 October 1921, Page 2

IRISH CONFERENCE.

SINN FEIN DELEGATES 5 ATTITUDE. By Telegraph*— Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, October 11. Mr de Valera, has issued a proclamation to tho Irish people, saying:— ** Our delegates unanimously desire that the secular conflict between tho rulers of Britain and the Irish people may happily end- The only peace that can ond the struggle will be a/ peace consistent with the nation's right, guaranteeing a freedom worthy of tho sufferings endured to secure it. It is not the skill and statesmanship of the leaders that will end this conflict, but the stern determination of a close-knit Dation, steeled to acceptance of death rather than abandonment of rightful liberty. Nothing but such determination by our people can overcome the forces with which the delegates have to contend. By heroic endurance and suffering Ireland has gained the position she holds. Were the prospect of further horrors and further sacrifices to cause her to- quail or falter for a moment, all would again be lost Threats that could force surrender of one vital particular would be relied on to force surrender in another, till all would be gone. Ireland must stand where she is, unyielding, fearless, on the rock of right, or be outmanoeuvred and delea ted in detail. The power against us will use every artifice it knows of in the hope of dispiriting, dividing and weakening us. We must all beware. Essential unity can best be maintained by unwavering faith in those deputed to act on the nation’s behalf, and confidence manifesting itself- in eloquent, discipline to the end.’’ BREACHES OF THE TRUCE. LONDON, October 10. Tbe ‘‘Daily Telegraph ** says that stricter observance of the truce is essential to success of the Irish Conference. There have been big parados of the Irish Republican Army, with bombing instructions, in many places. Men of high rank in the 1.R.A., visiting camps, made inflammatory speeches. There has recently been extensive landing of arms. Notices declaring a boycott of English goods were posted broadcast in Dublin last week. Seizure and destruction of Belfast goods confcigned to provincial traders continue. I.R.A. commandeered Government property and private premises for army purposes. The Conference cannot meet in a. proper atmosphere while this continues. Regarding the suggested release of internees, Sinn Feiners must remember that this is an armistice, and it is impossible to release prisoners until peace actually has been sigued. VISCOUNT GREY'S VIEWS. LONDON. October 11. Viscount Grey, at Berwick on Tweed, delivered his first political speech since his retirement in 191 G. He said that next election will bo fought on issues nuide plainer since the war. The Coalition justified itself during war-time, but had now an unsettled policy, .jumbling and changing its policies, which 5 had unpaired public confidence. The Coalition would not make an offer to Ireland until reprisals failed, which was dangerous, bo/auso Irishmen are now negotiating v«th a sense of victory. Trish delegates are now not dealing with a Government ; they are beginning to deal for the first time, with British public opinion. It would be dangerous if the Irish delegates should force negotiations to a point at which tho British believed self-preservation was endangered. Dominion partnership was an equal partnership with only one foreign policy. If this is the solution at which the Government aims, it must hare the consent of other dominions. It cannot bring a new partner to the Tiupe*yal Council Board on the same term ns the other partners Without the lather’s goodwill. Britain and Ireland cannot secure naval defence for either island unless defence is under one authority. A partitioned Ireland would never realise Irish aspirations. An attempt to coerce Ulster must fail. Ulster’s aid must bo won by the rest of Ireland.