New-York tribune., 1921-07-07
Optimistic Spirit Shown
as Smuts Meets Cabi-
net to Report Results
of Mission to Dublin
Main Effort Now to
Obtain Armistice
Kings Palace May Be
Theater of Final Farley:
Riots i'm Erin Continue
By Arthur S. Draper
From, The Tribune's Europeen Bureau

From The Trtbune's Europeen Bureau
Copyright, 1921. New York Tribune Inc.
LONDON, July General Jan
Christian Smits, Premier of South
Africa, who is acting as mediary in
the Irish dispute, laid before the
British Cabinet to-day the terms in
which Sim Fein is willing to dis
cuss peace. There is every reason
to expect that an armistice will be
declared this week, and that peace
conference will open in London with
in fortnight, if not earlier.
General SHUTS returned from
Dublin in the night and Immediately
got into touch with Premier Lloyd
George, who summoned Lord Birk-
enhead, the Lord High Chancellor;
Sir Hamar Greenwood, Chief Secre-
tary for Ireland; A. J. Balfour, Lord
President of the Council, and other
members of the Cabinet, to hear the
report of the South African Premier
on the results of his hurried visit to
see Eamon de Valera, president of
the Irish republic" Sir James
Craig, Ulster Premier; Earl Middle
ton, representing the Southern
Unionists, and Sir Horace Plunkett,
the Nationalists, also were called
into conference.
Eludes All Interviewers
An attempt at great secrecy char
acterized General Smuts's visit to
ireland and his return. He COM
pletely eluded fifty reporters who
attempted to interview him after his
conference with De Valera. An ex-
planation is found in the extreme
delicacy Of the situation. 1t is felt
that single false report would be
likely to leopard the whole nego-
tiations. Fortunately, all the pro-
ceedings thus far have been marked
by large measure of conciliation,
and everybody views the future with
surprising optimism.
1t is understood that the primary
object now of those working for set
tlement is to arrange an immediate
truce, and that this is the primary
reason for General Smutss hurried re-
turn to London. General SHUTS found
De Valera entirely sympathetic and
discussion of armistice terms was con-
Quoted without hitch.
1t is believed here that once an
armistice is arranged both sides viii
hesitate long before shouldering the re-
sponsibility for renewing hostilities.
There also was discussion to-day Of
the place for holding an Irish confer
ence. Buckingham Palace was re-
garded more highly than Downing
Street, particularly in view of the fact
that the Kings speech at the opening
of the Ulster Parliament in Belfast
paved the way for the present ncgotia-
tions. A precedent for holding the con-.
ference in the palace was furnished
in 1914. when an Irish conference was
held there under the chairmanship Of
Seek Truce Before Farley
If the truce can be arranged before
Fridays conference in Dublin, ct which
General Smuts and Sir James Craig ara
expected to be present, the long-await-
ed peace in Ireland will be within a
measurable distance.
All the dominion premiers, now in
London attending the imperial confer
ence, are taking active interest in the
deliberations and giving their enthusi-
astic support to General Smuts's ef-
forts. Premier Meighen of Canada and
General SHUTS are in full sympathy,
and the South African Premier is keep
ing the Canadian Premier fully in
formed of each step in the negotiations.
The newspapers continue to give
no time in recent memory when the
Premier has had the press SO thor
oughiy behind him on any Irish policy.
There is tendency in some quarters
to place full responsibility for the en-
couraging condition of the Irish situa-
tion with General Smuts, but it is gen.
orally agreed that Premier Lloyd
George is encouraging General Smuts
and is thoroughly delighted with his
success so far.
/, Terrorists Still Active
Notwithstanding the trend toward
peace, Sim Feiners are continuing
their military operations with increased
vigor. Another train carrying British
army stores has been wrecked and the
mails seized. Crown forces also are
operating on large scale in the mill
tary area of the south of Ireland. In
the neighborhood of Limerick num-
Der of raids have been made by the
military. If peace negotiations should
fail the clash between Irish and crown
forces would be more serious than
heretofore. For. that reason. if for no
other. the responsible heads on both
sides are keenly anxious TO allow moth
ing to balk them in their present de-
liberations.
BELFAST, July Ga rumor has been
current ia usually we'll informed quar-
ters here that the Sim Feiners have
abandoned their demand for republic.
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