The New York herald., 1921-07-06

Special Gable 10 THE NEW YoRK Herald.
topufoht, 1921. by THE NEw YoRK HrR,Lr.
New York Herald Bureau,
London, July s.
Highest hopes of an Irish settlement
were expressed in Downing Street TO-
night after the arrival in Dublin of
Gen. SHUTS, Premier of the Union OF
South Africa, to confer "unofflcially"
with South Ireland leaders, coupled
with the report of Mondays meeting
of South Ireland leaders brought per-
sonally TO Premier Lloyd George by
Lord Middleton, one of the Southern
Unionist delegates. Lord Middleton was
quoted in one newspaper as saying
the participants in the Dublin con-
ference had no reason TO be dissatisfied
with what had been accomplished.
for an hour this morning to enable
Mr.. Lloyd George to talk with Lord
Middleton and again for an hour this
afternoon. at which time Sir Hamar
Greenwood. Chief Secretary for Ire
land, drove up in fast motor car and
rushed into the Premier's private Of
fee.
With regard TO the report that Sir
James Craig, Ulster Premier, had left
Belfast for London. to confer with
Lloyd George on the situation. it was
said tonight that he Is coming on pri
vate business and not in connection
with the proposed conference with the
Premier 1t is said he will return to
Belfast on Monday. which, If true, in
dicates he will not attend the confer
ence in Dublin on Friday.
A despatch from Belfast said Sir
James insisted that maintenance of
the imperial connection and recogni-
ton of the existence of the Northern
Parliament. were essential premises to
listers engaging in negotiations for a
settlement in Ireland.
Although il was not possible to obtain
official comment from Downing Street,
from quarter. close thereto came the
report Of the possibility Of almost imme-
diate truce in ireland, which spread
through London tonight. 1t Is pointed
out, however. that on both sides there
are many difficulties In the way. so that
at the best only a tactic truce is possible.
Government spokesmen hesitate 20
comment on any let up In Sim Fein ac-
tivities, as they are afraid any state
ment of that nature might incite the
Irish republican army to acts proving
that II still has power. Also 1t is not
believed probable that the Sim Feiners
could be persuaded not to execute some
long looked for spy or that the Crown
forces could resist arresting an impor-
tant rebel fugitive who happened to be
found
Yet there seems little doubt that
both sides would not wilfully do any
thing at present to shatter the possi-
bilities of peace, and II Is known that
on the Government side the order has
gone out TO confine raids to premises
where IL Is known munitions are stored
and that Dublin Castle is to be con-
suited before any raid is undertaken
concerning which there is any doubt
1t has been suggested that the Black
and Tans be Withdrawn to concentration
points on the coast, leaving the army
scattered through the country. but al
lowing the regular Irish Republican
army and the Irishmen themselves-the
Sim Fein's police-to maintain quiet
status quo during the negotiations which
now promise to be extended.
II Is stated that Lord Middleton Will
return 20 Dublin In time TO convey 20
Fridays conference OF Sim F'ein and
Unionists Premier Lloyd Georges views
on what was done yesterday.
with the exception of the Morning
Post, London newspapers were hopeful
the Dublin conference might lead TO
peace. The Tory organ. however, OPP
posed making any concessions TO the
Irish Republicans ana called the Gov
ernment's attitude eating dirt"