END OF REBELLION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17028, 30 April 1923, Page 6

END OF REBELLION.

DE VALERA SEEKS PEACE. FREE STATE MAY NOT ACCEPT. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. 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 by a proclamation of De Valera expressing his willingness to negotiate a peace and also a rebel Army Order suspending hostilities. It is the general hope that this means the end of a long guerilla warfare. The De Valera manifesto is characterised by the usual wordiness. It proclaims: “The Government of tho Republic is anxious to contribute its share to the movement for peace founded on the principles of:— (1) The sovereign rights of the nation, which are indefeasible arid inalienable. (2) That all legitimate governmental authority is derived exclusively from the people. (3) That the ultimate course of appeal for deciding disputed questions of national expenditure is for the people of Ireland’s judgment: being the majority vote of the adult citizenry, their decision being obeyed, and resistance and violence excluded not because the decision is necessarilyright or just and permanent, but because acceptance makes for peace order and unity, and is a democratic alternative to arbitration by peace. (4) No individual or individuals subscribing to those principles of national right, order and good citizenship can he justly excluded b.v any political oath, test, or other device from their proper share of influence in determining the national policy or from the council or parliament of the nation. The military forces are servants of the nation, and ar© subject to the foregoing, and amenable to the National Assembly when it is freely elected by the people. (6) Freedom of assembly, speech and Press to prevail. That every adult male and female be allowed to

vote at a general election, to be held as soon as may be. (6) There shall be an undertaking on both sides that whatever Government be elected, its opponents will not resort to armed force, but will exercise their opposition in a constitutional manner. The proclamation hopes that this advance will be met in the spirit in which it is made, and supported by all who love their country and d&sh'e a speedy ■and just ending to national trouble. An army order to officers commanding, and others, is signed “ Frank Aitken, Chief of Staff.’’ In order to give effect to the decision of the “ government ” the Army Council has embodied a 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 will take adequate measures to protect themselves and their munitions. Guerilla warfare, which has now lasted for 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 representatives of the Imperial Government and the Sinn Fein. TERMS OF PEACE. LONDON, April 28. An Australian Press Association special message from Dublin states that 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 under supervision. (De Valera will agree to their complete destruction.) (2) The return home of all Re(3) The cessation by the Free State Government of all raids and arrests. (4) The release of all prisoners ; all alleged criminal prisoners to be dea 4 t with by representatives of the Free State and Republicans, with a neutral chairman. (Monsignor Luzio is suggested.) The correspondent adds that he is of opinion that the Free State will not agree to the terms as outlined. Nevertheless, peace is expected soon, perhaps next week. Monsignor Luzio is working hard on this subject.