The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-06-27
De Valera VIII Attend Peace
Conference Is Report.
Lloyd George Presents Entire
Change of Front.
MAY RELEASE PRISONERS
Collins and Mulcahy May Be AL.
lowed to Consult.
Sim Fein Leaders in Dublin
Consider Premier's Proposal.

London. June 27.-It was learned
from an authoritative source this
afternoon that the IRISH peace con-
ference will be held, the Central News
announced.
The government is reported to have
received information from Dublin In
dicating that Eamonn de Valera and
Sir James Craig will both accept the
invitation to come to London to confer
with the British government.
1t is genesally agreed that de Valera
probably Will attach sharp conditions
to his acce eptance, one regarding the
safe conduct OF certain of his col
leagues whom de Valera may wish to
have. accompany him. This applies
especially to Michael Collins, former
comnander-in-chief of the Irish re-
publican army, and Richard Mulcahy,
who frequently has been referred to
in England as 'tan organizer OF as
sassinations"
Lloyd George Changes Front.
1t is stated in some quarters that de
Valera would not go to London with
predicted that he would insist upon
release of other men now interned or
imprisoned, in order that they might
accompany him. 1t was pointed out
that the wording of the premier's let
| ter would make it impossible for him
to refuse such demand.
This was considered to constitute a
remarkable and significant change in
the attitude of the British premier,
who earlier in the year had excepted
certain Sim Feiners from those whom
he would be willing to receive as
lnegotiators. The men excepted had
been denounced in the house of COM
mons as murderers.
In the event that de Valera refused
the premier's invitation. it is generally
believed the government will make
energetic preparations for q campaign
| to suppress Sim Fein activities in the
west and south. Troops which could
be used for this purpose are constantly
arriving in Ireland.
May Need British Help.
In some sources it is said de Valera
lsvil-hez unable to stop the activities
| of Sim Fem rif1emen without British
| help. Moderate Sim Feiners are rep
resented as being extremely anxious to
| accept Premier Lloyd Georges invita-
ton and they fear terrible results IL
the offer is turned down and intensi-
| fled military campaign is begun.
An authority anonymously quoted
| by the Daily Mail in dispatches from
Dublin, declared that peace would be
possible II the British government
agreed to permit Ireland to govern
itself. excluding only matters pertain
| ing to foreign relations, the army,
navy. and other strategical considera-
tions, and If the six northern counties
were granted by the rest of Ireland
such measures of self government as
de Valera has indicated his willingness
| to concede within the limits of an
autonomous ireland. Such a settle
| ment, however, this authority pointed
| out. would involve abandonment of
the demand for complete Independence
and might for that reason be repudi-
ated by the extremists.
Sim Fein Considers.
Dublin, June 27.-Sinn Fein leaders
today began comforting upon the reply
which will be made to Premier Lloyd
! Georges invitation to go to London to
discuss Irish peace. 1t is probable
that Eamonn de Valera, president of
the Irish republic, will issue a state
ment in day or two.
This Is one question which must be
considered carefully and gravely."
said a Sim Fein member OF parlia-
ment who also is a general in the
Irish army. Obviously we cannot and
de Valera cannot say anything off
hand without due consultation" The
iquestion of accepting the invitation Is
being put up to the Dali Eireann (the
Sim Fein parliament.) Both Collins
and Mulcahy have been known as
marked men" as they were held by
the British military authorities to be
chiefly responsible for the numerous
ambush attacks upon crown forces
during the past few months.
In Sim Fein circles, It is believed
the release of Arthur Griffith and DR..
MacNeill soon will be ordered. Both
are in Mount Joy prison. Griffith is
president of the Sim Fein. 1t is re-
|, ported that they will be liberated so
they can consult with de Valera ON
, Premier Lloyd Georges proposals.