IRISH NEGOTIATIONS

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14774, 13 October 1921, Page 5

IRISH NEGOTIATIONS

EXTREMELY SATISFACTORY IRISH DELEGATES' BODYGUARD. ARMED GUNMEN IN ATTENDANCE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received October 12, 7.30 p.m. LONDON, October 11. The Irish Conference has adjourned till Thursday. A communique merely records the names of those present. It is understood that to-day's proceedings were extremely satisfactory. When the Irish Conference adjourned till the afternoon armed Irishmen and women marched in procession to the delegates' headquarters, waving Sinn Fein flags and singing Irish hymns and songs, varied with cries of "Up with Sinn Fein." Tlie Press Association says that a curious feature of the conference was the fact, that the Irish delegates arrived attended by gunmen. Each car had aa armed guard, arms being plainly visible in the men's pockets as they took their seats besides the drivers. AN AUSPICIOUS OPENING. AMICABLE DISCUSSIONS. OBSERVANCE OF THE TRUCE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received October 12, 8.5 p.m. LONDON, October 11. The Daily Chronicle states that the first result of the Irish conference was the appointment of a special committee to consider the better observance of the terms of the truce and to come to_a decision regarding the better treatment of prisoners. Sir H- Greenwood, Sir R. L. luvans, General Sir N. Maoready, and Messrs Collins, Barton and Duggan will serve on the committee. As the result of Mr Lloyd George drawing attention to the breaches of the truce, the Irish delegation replied that this matter affected both parties, and the co-operation of British forces was necessary. A lengthy and amicable discussion followed. Between the meetings there was a pleasant tea party at which Mr Lloyd Gcarge acted as host.

The Irish acceptance is the more significant, as before they left Dublin the delegation intimated they would not accept British hospitality. No shorthand note of the proceedings has thus far been takenThe annual meeting of the Irish Catholic Hierarchy at Maynooth, Cardinal Logue presiding, unanimously carried a resolution welcoming the Peace Conference, hoping and praying that the deliberations may eventuate in a peace satisfying the national rights and aspirations of the Irish people, and thereby securing permanent friendship between the two people.