Norwich bulletin., 1921-07-14
IRISH CHIEF WILL MEET
 BRITISH PREMIER TO-DAY

London. July 1S.-tB the A. PA conversation which it IS hoped may mark the last act of one phase of lrelanI troublous history and serve as a prelude to the Eng sought peace in the island is to take place in the dingy old cab inet room in Downing street tomorrow when the British prime ministers MT. Lloyd-George and the Irish republican leader, Eamonn De Valerat meet in m effort to clear the stage for holiinS a three party peace conference, in which Great Britain, the Sim Fein and Ulster will endeavor to compose their difference es.
 One of the most convincing indications of the feryency of the hope that the meeting will presage an era of peace IS | the reluctance of both the government ] and Irish circles to discuss the probable details of the initial session, both parties 1 insisting that the situation is so delicate ] that single unfortunate word misdi seriously prejudice the proceedings. | Both sides have propaganda mills l full organiz~d ready for business, bur; both are silent. This reticence Is height ened by the fact that a breakdown of tee negotiations now finally under way /, would in all liklihood result in bitter re- criminations accusations and possibly the resumtion. of armed conflict But while there was little word for l the public regarding the proceedings, che eve Of the conference saw intense actiy- i ity in both camps The premier reviewed 1 the situation with large staff of adyis- | CTS in toe solitude of his country home while MT. De Valera spent the day and evening in taking counsel with ArthdI Griffith and other aides accompanying him. together with many London parti- sans.
 The government -unoHicia!ly ought tc i encourage the idea today that MT. Dc Nalera's party had already been in closS touch with the premier, even suggesting that members of the party had been al Chequers Court during the afternoon but Mir. De Valera's Secretary stoutiS denied that tdere had been any such con. ference. The only exchange of any sort between the two parties it is asserted was the premier's letter suggesting tn; hour of meeting and the Irish leader. reply, agreeing.
 To a question as to whether Mir. D, Valera would enter rne conference witt a definite policy to which he was pledgeC to adhere, one of his associates said:
 Two weeks ago any of us could hay, answered that query briefly and certain ly but the position is altered now. Those who have followed recent even- closely interpret this as an indication that the Irish leader would not press tn, claim for an independent republic, bu
 play cards" in an effort to learn the ut most Great Britain was prepared [, give, which would be submitted to th
 Dali Eireann for consideration or ac lceptance.
 Sir James Craig. the Ulster premier ]
 crossing from Belfast tonight and vii
 be at hand if the obstacles offered by tn
 preliminary discussions are cleared
 There is some uncertainty whether th
 premier or MT. De Valera will hav colleagues at the first meeting betweel
 the two men. but because of the recog
 nized dangers of a misunderstandin
 arising in such unaided discussions
 was considered probable tonight tha
 each of the principals would be accom- anied by at least one man. In that even Arthur Griffith Is most likely to ac
 with his chief
 To what extent the. public will be per , mitted to know what transpires withi the conference chambers will be one {, the questions to he determined tomorrow ,, Both camps manifest the belief that tn ' purposes of the conference would bes
 be served by. withholding the details mn , til conclusive result is attained.