South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-12-20
DE VALERA SAYS
SETTLEMENT IS
ACT OF UNION
Opposes A ceptance on
Ground 1t Does Not Grant
independence.
CONTINUED from page One.)

vantages the treaty will bring TO
ireland He read a letter which
had been received from Premier
Lloyd George early in the negoti-
atoms, saying the government pro-
posed making ireland cO-equal with
the other British dominions and to
secure for Ireland a place IN the
league of nations. The letter also
promised the withdrawal OF the ma
val and military forces from Ire
hand when the agreement was rati-
fed.
Oath Is no Barrier.
Mr. Griffith said the oath of al
legiance agreed upon was one
which any Irishman can take with
honor"
He concluded by urging the Dali
TO ratify his resolution and the Irish
people everywhere TO confirm IT.
Hearty applause was given him ga
he resumed his seat.
Treaty Means War.
De Valera then rose TO move the
rejection of the treaty.
II am against this treaty because
it will not end the conflict between
Great Britain and Ireland" he de-
clared. Il am against the treaty be-
cause 1 am for peace, not wal" He
argued that the Irish people would
never be reconciled TO the agree
ment.
Mr.. De Valera denounced the
treaty as "subverting the public"
He dwelt at length upon the allegi-
ance feature Of the document, in
Weighing IN impassiOned tones against
what he declared would be the ig-
nominy Of the Irish people taking
the oath Of allegiance to the Bri-
tish king. He paid tribute. however.
to the delegates who signed the
pact. saying what they did was in
their excess Of love for Ireland"
Treaty Like Union Act.
Mr.. DeValera continuing his ar
sument for rejection declared:
"If King George came over TO op-
en- the Irish parliament you would
see black flags in the streets Of Dub
I'm"
He likened the treaty to an act
Of union. declaring it would lead 10
endless strife.
He asserted the treaty was entire
~ inconsistent with Ireland's posi-
ton and that if K were ratified Ire
land would continue subservient to
England.
Cries OF mo" from supporters Of
the treaty followed this declaration.
Complete Independence"
Ealera's motion saying he stood for
complete independence and moth
ing short of it,
Count Plunkett also spoke in sup
port of the motion for rejection.
Mr. De Valera said this was the
moment when grand peace" was
possible and under Il King George
would come 70 Dublin.
Cries OF mo" came from his sup
porters
He meant Ire said, that the preSi-
dents of America OF France should
come as the heads OF friendly states.
There were cries OF mo- when
De Valera said the Irish army would
be his majestys army md he Irish
ministers Hts Majesty's rules.
Perhaps the supporters OF the
treaty Nr pe Valera said. might
snatch an election and secure a
majority because q wa weary peo-
Pile would take anything. but the
people would be dissatisfied and
would start uR again as they did az
Ter the union. and Mr. Lloyd George
would undergo the same experience
as Pitt
The treaty Mr.. De Valera argued,
was signed under duress. adding that
rather than sign a document which
would give the British authority IN
ireland. the Irish people should be
ready 20 go on in slavery untl their
oppressers were blotted out.