The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-07-18
Lloyd George and De Valera in
Conference Today.
Ven Jan SHUTS Reappears as
Mediator in Dispute.
PREMIER TO MEET CRAIG
TWenty-FOur Hours May Decide
Conference Subject.
Irish "President" Emphasizes
Demand for Unity.

London, July 1S.-De Valera. the
Irish republican leader, in response to
an invitation by the prime minister,
Lloyd George, called at No. 10
Downing street. the prime minister's
residence, at AIS o'clock this after
noon to confer with Lloyd George on
the Irish question.
The third session of the peace con-
Versations between Premier Lloyd
George and Eamonn de Valera, "presi-
dent of the Irish republic" took
place at 10 Downing street late this
afternoon.
1t was officially announced that
Premier Lloyd George would meet Sir
James Craig, head of the Ulster gov
ernment. this evening ii the con-
ference between the premier and de
valera proved satisfactory. The pre-
mier and General Smuts, premier of
South Africa, had conferred on Ire
land thruout SunGay afternoon.
General Smuts Reappears.
Gen. Jan. c. Smuts, the South Afri-
can premier. who had a prominent
part in the early informal negotiations
which brought about the truce in
Ireland, and the peace conference now
in progress, reappeared today as
factor in the Irish negotiations. Mr..
Lloyd George, the prime minister, had
been at his official residence in Down
ing street only a short time this fore
noon after his return from the country
when Viscount Fitzalan, the lord lieu
tenant of Ireland, called and had a
long talk with the premier during
which they were Joined by General
Smuta
General Smuts had not figured pre-
viously in the conversations at Down
ing street since the truce went into ef-
feet after he reported the result of his
Dublin visit to Mr.. Lloyd George and
to King George. Shortly after 2
o'clock it was learned it has been de-
cidcd the prime minister would re-
quest Mr.. De Valera to meet him later
in the day. At the conclusion of the
conference participated in by Lloyd
George. Viscount Fitzalan and General
Smuts. the prime minister called the
ca binet members to meet him in the
house of commons this afternoon
after which de Valera was asked TO
cali at Downing street at AIS o'clock
Sir James Craig, it was stated had been
invited to come to Downing street
carly this evening. Meanwhile the
Ulster premier was continuing las
consultations with the members OF
his cabinet whom he called here last
week. These developments were ac-
cepted in we'll informed quarters as in
dications that whatever immediate diff
ficulty may exist lies between the
prime minister and the Ulsterites in
Wow of the statement from de valera s
party Yesterday that they did not know
what Sir James was doing and that
the British were dealing with him.
The next twenty-four hours will de-
eide the fate of the Irish negotiations
1t was admitted today.
1bara a meeting of the caDlnel
this afternoon when the irish peace
situation was canvassed.
Premier Lloyd George, who mas
been comforting at his country estate
at Chequers over the weekend, re
turned to London during the morning
1t was stated the premier would ap-
near in the house of commons later
in the day but it :. as regarded as un-
likely that he would have any definite
statement to make regarding Ireland
May Not Meet Craig.
After a period of uncertainty as tc
whether Lloyd George and de Valera
would get together again this after
noon, it was announced at O'Clock
that the Irish leg der would confer
with the premier at AIS o'clock
A brief statement given out by thu
Sim Fein leader regarding the policy
he is following here was interpreted
as meaning that he would refuse Il
Valera is emphasizing his demand fol
unity and the necessity for having e
single Irish spokesman in the confer
ence.
Il have made no demand but tn
one I am entitled to make-that o
self determination for the Irish ma
ton" said de Valera.
secrecy Shrouds Conference.
Great secrecy shrouded the informa
conferences that were carried on dur
ing the weekend by the Irish union
lists, the republicans and government
officials. These were all held inde
pendent of each other. for the pur
pose of arranging details of the cours'
each faction will pursue during tn
next few days.
The treasury department mas beel
ordered to prepare reports for Pre-
micr Lloyd George bearing upon Ger
tain financial aspects of the propose
Irish settlement.