The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-08-27
IRISH DISCUSS
BRITISH Offer
Firm Stand Taken By Lloyd George
Fails to Brighten Members
of Dali Eireann-

Dublin, Aug. 27.-(By The Asso-
ciated Press. Member of the
Irish republican parliament met at
the Mansion House here today to
consider the situation which has
developed from the firm stand of
Prime Minister Lloyd George, rela-
tive to a settlement of the Irish
controversy. The message from the
prime minister arrived here last
night, and its intimation that the
British government would not con-
slider any unreasonable delay In
continuing negotiations caused
some apprehension among the peo-
pie. Leaders of the Dali Eireann
and members of the cabinet of
Eamonn de Valera appeared, how
ever, not to consider that the situa-
ton had become any more delicate
than it had been since the ex-
changes begun.
Commenting on the letter from
Lloyd George, the Freeman's Jour
nal said today:
In our opinion, the prime min
ister's latest communication bears
the construction which Jan G.
SHUTS, premier Of the sUnion of
South Africa, put upon the original
offer from the British government"
The Irish Independent urged the
prime minister to readjust or modi-
fly the conditions to which the Irish
leaders have taken exception, and
said the alternative would be a re-
80
would appeal humanity and would
ultimately discredft and disgrace
England"
With the will to make peace on
both Sides" the newspaper said, ut
ought to be possible to arrive at
conference on basis on which set
Element that is honorable and sat
isfactory to both sides could be
effected"
Approve Stand.
London. Aug. 27.-Ireland cannot
be permitted TO withdraw from the
British empire. This is the out
standing feature of the note sent to
Dublin yesterday by Prime Minister
Lloyd George, following considera-
ton by the cabinet of the whole
Irish situation. Lloyd George de-
clared he would be glad to continue
negotiations with Eamonn de Va
lera, but warned the Irish leaders
that a needless prolongation Of the
conversations might wreck the
chance of an agreement and termi-
nate the truce.
Newspapers today generally ap-
proved of the prime minister's re-
ply, and expressed satisfaction that
Lloyd George had declared he was
willing to continue negotiations
The Morning Post, which main
tanned the old conservative view,
urged the Sim Fein leaders to rec
ognize the unalterable stand for
union which had been made by the
government, and advised that terms
be reached on that basis.
Mr.. de Valera was told that he
was discussing the situation in the
spirit of an impracticabl doctrin-
aire"
Until Mr.. de Valera descends to
earth from the cloudy heights" the
newspaper continued, mo progress
is possible. He has assured Great
Britain that he has not the slight
est desire to renew hostilities, and
that not a shot will be fired unless
the Sim Fein- wills it, but it is
doubtful if, otherwise, he correctly
interprets the opinion of the ma
Jority OF his followers. 1t might be
suggested that if the refusal of the
Dali Eireann to accept the British
offer was submitted to the decision
OF the Irish people, it would not be
Endorsed"
The time has passed." the Lon
don Times said, when the reitera-
ton of the differences between the
English and Irish viewpoints can
serve a useful purpose. The time
has come, when if there is to be a |
peace, these differences must be
taken for granted. When the Slim
Fem understands this fact the hour !
for further negotiation will have !
arrived"