SPIRIT OF CONCILIATION

Wairarapa Age, 9 December 1921, Page 5

SPIRIT OF CONCILIATION

CRAIG’S HOPEFUL MESSAGE

IRISH DELEGATE’S CORDIAL LETTER

(Press Association—Copyright.) (Received 5.5 p.m.) London, Dec. 7. —Mr Lloyd George was interviewed by Lord Midleton and other Southern Unionists. Mr A. Griffith, the Sinn Fein delegate, this evening sent a letter to Mr Lloyd George, stating:— “I am meeting the Southern Unionists. I agree that a scheme should be devised to give them a full share of representation in the first Chamber of the Irish Parliament, and we will also consult them regarding the constitution of the Upper Chamber and undertake that their interests will be duly represented. “I take this opportunity of saying we desire the co-operation of Unionists, in common with all other sections of the Irish nation, in raising the structure and shaping the destiny of the Irish Free State. We look for their assistance in the same spirit of understanding and good will which we will show towards their traditions and interest.” Sir James Craig sent a message to a meeting in. County Down, stating: “It now appears to me that peace is possibly within sight if all work together to that end with patience and goodwill; but only the healing hand of time can obliterate the memory of the sore affliction through which we have passed.” THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL. ROYAL DUKE SUGGESTED. The Duke of York’s’name is mentioned in connection with the Irish Governor-Generalship.—(A. and N.Z.) ASSOCIATION OF FREE STATES. WILLING CO-OPERATION. (Received 5.5 p.m.) Mr Michael Collins, interviewed, said: “The creation of the Irish Free State laid a foundation upon which may be built a new world order. We can begin by bringing Britain, the colonies and Ireland into an association of free States. Colonies as grown-ups are restive under the appearance of partial restraint, though willing to co-operate with the parent on an equal footing. Ireland as a separate nation naturally is more restive under any control by a neighbouring nation, but is equally willing to co-operate in free association on all matters of common concern. The problem can only be solved by recognising that there is no limitation to the complete independence of the several countries.”—(A. and N.Z.)

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. MAY DISSOLVE SOON. PROFITEERS ALERT. (Received 9 p.m.) London, Dec. B.—lt is believed that Mr Bonar Law will support the Government when the terms of the Irish settlement are submitted to Parliament, which will probably dissolve immediately the Irish Bill is passed as the settlement involves the withdrawal of 80 Southern Commoners. There will be important constittuional changes. Profiteers are already discussing the exploitation of Irish domestic freedom, hoping tffat the new Government, for the sake of much-needed revenue, will legalise, or at least officially tolerate, schemes which are illegal in British territory. Racing men are discussing seriously an attempt to organise a parimutuel, lottery bonds, ready money betting-, sweepstakes, licensed pool rooms, and a casino at Kllarney.—(A. and N.Z.)

IRISHMEN AT EUSTON. AN ENTHUSIASTIC FAREWELL. PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH. (Received 7.35 p.m.) London, Dec. 7.—The Irish delegates, on leaving Euston for Dublin, had an enthusiastic send-off from cheering crowds. Only police help en abled them to fight their way to their carriage and the train left amidst the singing of Irish patriotic songs. The Archbishop of Canterbury, in a message to the church, said: “For months the Church has steadily invoked for our counsellors perseverance, wisdom and courage in connection with Ireland. To-day we can add

thanksgiving to our prayers. This note should ring out publicly and privatefy. Though the end be not yet, it has pleased God thus far to guide our feet into the way of peace.” MANY HAZARDS YET. London, Dec. 8. —Mr Asquith, as Paisley, said: “It was little less than two years ago that I propounded the policy of Dominion self-government as the only effective method of dealing with the Irish problem.” He detailed the same policy at Ayr a year later. The difficulty was not over. Many hazards had to be faced before the task was finally achieved. The new agreement was a two-sided affair involving complete international autonomy for Ireland and conferring common citizenship throughout the Empire with all the rights, privileges, duties and responsibilities of common citizenship.

I OPPOSITION TO TREATY. FROM EXTREMIST SINN FEINERS (Received 8.20 p.m.) London, Dee. 7.—The “Daily News” Dublin correspondent telegraphs:—“Opposition to the treaty is possible within Sinn Fein circles, the fear being that some of the more extreme Republicans may cause trouble. Significance is also attached to the words of de Valera’s order recalling the delegates to Belfast immediately, so that full Cabinet decision might be taken. DE VALERA’S PREDICAMENT. “Do Valera attitude has so far not been disclosed. During tha week preceding the settlement he made several ‘diehard’ speeches, which leave him in an awkward position. This is said to be explainable by the fact that he had lost hope of a settlement and desired to break h;s countrymen to meet the shock of renewed hostilities. ’ ’ The Australian. Press Association understands that”the extremists’ opposition to de Valera’s popular personality will be insufficient to retard the progress of peace now. It is stated that the worst that can happen is the submission of the terms to a national plebiscite. The terrible incidents during the last 18 months have horrified the Irish, who for long have ardently desired peace. Therefore the British can confidently look to the Irish people themselves to support Mr Collins and his colleagues, who are now revered as greatly as de Valera himself. • Moreover, the Irish expected Sir James Craig’s Ulsterites to adopt an attitude of .unreasoning hostility to the peace terms, and Sir James Craig’s statesmanlike suspension of judgment, and his message of goodwill, have made a deep impression on the Nationalists.

FOUNDATION OF A NEW WORLD. London, Dec. 7.—ln an article in the Manchester ‘ ‘ Guardian, ’ ’ Mr Michael Collins refers to the settlement as the foundation of a 1 new world-order, a new league of nations, in which oaths of allegiance are meaningless beside the more substantial bond of freedom and equality; the ending of internecine strife for cooperative harmony, forming a pattern for national co-operation on a wider scale. He adds that with a free Ireland the component nations of the Empire are more firmly bound. He asks “might not Amerca be willing to enter such a league?” INTERNEES TO BE RELEASED. London, Dec. 7. —The release has been ordered of all Irish internees. THE POPE’S CONGRATULATIONS Rome, Dec. 7.—The Pope has telegraphed his congratulations to the King and de Valera on the Irish settlement. TRIUMPH FOB COMMON-SENSE. Paris, Dec. 7.—A1l the newspapers rejoice at the conclusion of the Irish agreement, and loudly praise the statesmanship of Mr Lloyd George, whom “Le Journal” terms “the first negotiator of his time,” and further says: “France will from the bottom of her heart address her good wishes to Ireland, the people of which are bound to her by so many memories, that she has again become a sovereign Nation. ’ ’

The “Gaulois” says the agreement is a victory for Ireland, but likewise continues a triumph for common-sense and clear-sightedness of the English people.

A LABOUR MANIFESTO. London, Doc. 7.—The General Council of the Trade Union Congress and the Labour Party have issued a manifesto expressing the hope that the spirit in which the Irish negotiations have been conducted will be maintained, and urging the Government to crown its auspicious achievement by a general amnesty and the release of political prisoners, and expressing the hope that the Northern Parliement will wholeheartedly adopt the agreement. SHOOTING IN BELFAST. London, Dee. 7.—Shooting occurred at Belfast last night, including an attack on a lorry laden with police. No casualties are reported. One maif armed with a revolver was arrested. A warder named Leonard and 12 Sinn Fein prisoners have been committed for trial for murdering the two constables during the attempt to escape from Derry gaol.—(A. and N.Z.’