IRELAND'S PEACE.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXI, 10 August 1921, Page 4

IRELAND'S PEACE.

THE CASE OF McKEOWN-

Press Assn. —By Tel. —Copyright. LONDON, August 8. Mr De Valera, in a statement regarding tho refusal to release McKeown, says thatl fafei does not believe that it is the considered action of t.:e Government, but of subordinates.

A SOLDIER PATRIOT.

LONDON, August 8. It is understood that -the decision to detain McKeown (who has now been released) was originally taken pending reference of Uns case to higher authorities owing to legal technicalities, requiring- consideriyion. In deciding to release McKeown it is believed the authorities were influenced by his chivalrous conduct towards two .cadets who foil wounded into his hands when in charge of an ambush. Mr De Valera, to-night, before he knew the above decision, said: If nis detention is persisted in, I cannot accept responsibility for proceeding, further with the negotiations. McKeown typifies everything for which we fought. Tho whole Irish people regard him as a soldier patriot. McKeown has been released.

WAR—NOT MURDER.

LONDON, August 9. Mr McKeown says: “It is now clear that my release by the English Government is an admission that I am not only a representative of the people, but an officer of the Irish Republican Army. The rolase is an acceptance that my act was an act of war, therefore it is clear the release is a final abandonment of any claim by the on emy that the Irish war is murder. It is clear that all fellow soldiers in gaols and camps must be similarly recognised.”

THE TRUCE RUMOUR.

LONDON, August 8. Tho Sinn Fein organisation denies the reports that unless McKeown is released the Sinn Fein will end the truce or that the Dail Eireann will not meet to discuss the proposals.

PRISONERS RELEASED.

LONDON, August; 8. Eleven members of the Dail Eireann released to-day, proceeded immediately to Dublin to see Mr de Valera.

DIFFICULTIES SMOOTHED

LONDON, August 9. The “Daily Chronicle” Paris correspondent says that informal dinner talk on Sunday enabled Mr Lloyd George and M. Briand to create an easier atmosphere.