The Washington herald., 1921-09-05
Demand Recognition of
Independence and End
Of Force Policy.
WOULD AGREE TO
ARBITRATION PLAN
De Valera's Reply Held
As Adding to Grave
Situation.
Especial Cabls to The Washington Hs.ah
and United Nevs.)

Valera has once more "irrevocably
rejected Lloyd Georges proposals
or Irish dominion home rule as a
,asis for peace negotiations and has
Igain demanded recognition of Ire
and's independence and an abolition
II the policy of force" as the only
preliminary grounds upon which he
will treat with the British govern
nent.
The gravest view of the situation
taken by some government on
halA
This reply" said a member of
he Downing Street circle, removes
he only basis upon which future
conversations could have been held
n that 1t refuses absolutely the
proffered dominion status. and insists
lpon complete separation. II looks
as though the 'gunmen doctrinaires
we're on top once more"
Would Appoint Envoys.
The De Valera note does not ac-
ually break off negotiations with
The British government. In fact
IN its concluding paragraph, II re-
sites a Willingness to appoint plen-
potentiaries" IL Lloyd George will
soncede Ireland's independence from
Sreat Britain
De Valera agrees that definite
md immediate progress is essential
4 Irish peace is to be attained.
II therefore refrain from COM
nenting upon the fallacious histor-
cal references you made in your
asst communication" he declares.
Denies Voluntary Union.
The people OF Ireland" De Va
ERA continues. acknowledging no
voluntary union with Great Britain
Ind claiming as a fundamental and
natural right to choose freely for
themselves the paths they are to
AXE to realize their national des-
my. have. by an overwhelming ma
Iority, declared for independence,
md have set up a republic. They
Ave more than once confirmed this
.hCice.
'"Great Britain. on the other hand
Icts as though Ireland were bound
= her by contract in a union which
'Orbids separation. The circum.
stances Of the supposed contract are
ruflcicntly notorious. vet on the
heOry that they are valid, the Brit
81 government claims the right TO
'rle and legislate for Ireland, even
- the point Of partitioning Irish
erritory against the will Of the
IRISH people. killing and casting into
prison every Irish citizen who re-
uses allegiance"
Resents Inferior status.
De Valera goes on to say that the
proposals submitted on July 30 were
BASED on just three premises.
I'VE have rejected those propos-
lls. and our rejection is irrevoca
Sle." he declared.
The claim is made by the Irish
President that Lloyd Georges pro-
,osals were not an invitation to en-
Ter into a free partnership with the
nations of the British common
wealth, but the offer of a status
definitely inferior" The other do
ninions, he sets up. are guaranteed
against domination not only by
heir constitutional rights but also
sy their distance from England.
ireland, on the other hand, he point
ID out, has neither the constttu-
ional rights nor the element of dis
.ance to protect her. but would be
uvided into two artificial states,
each destructive Of the others in
J iuence, and both subject to British
military, naval and economic con-
rol.
Insists on Erin's View.
The main historical and geo
graphical facts cannot be disputed"
De Valera writes. but Great Brit
ain insists on viewing them from
Ter own standpoint. Ireland must
De allowed to view tim from hers.
The history you interpret as die
,ating union, we read az debating
separation. We are convinced that
ours Is the true and just interpret
lion, and are willing that a neu-
:ral and impartial arbitrator should
decide the question.
You refuse and threaten force.
Dur reply is: If you adopt that
course, we can only resist as. gen.
erations before US resisted.
Seven hundred and fifty years
,f history prove that force will not
Bolve the problem
Must Set Aside Threats.
Threats of force must be set
lside at the beginning as we'll as
hey must be set aside during the
ictual conduct of negotiations. The
respective plenipotentiaries must be
Intrammeled by any conditions ex-
.ept the facts themselves.
I'VE have proposed the principle
Of government by the consent of
he governed. We do not mean II
IS a mere phrase. This is the only
oasis on which we see the hope Of
reconciling the considerations gov
srning the attitude OF Great Brit
lIn's representatives with the con-
yiderations that must govern the
attitude of Ireland's representatives.
"On this basis we are ready at
once to appoint plenipotentiaries."
Hope Rests on Phrase.
A question may arise, of course.
IS to the exact meaning Of the De
valera term ''the doctrine of
.orce" and there is still hope that
Ipon this phrase may arise g. re-
iewal of arguments between the
British premier and the Irish leader,
Who may lay aside the main issue
.or the moment in order to thresh
,ut the minor phae-
1t is pointed out that even up
o the present moment the debate
ias been largely one of-phrase max
ng on both sides. and that even in
his latest note De Valera Is will
CONTINUED ON PAGE TWELVE.