The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1921-07-14
Greatest Precaution Being
Taken to Avoid Any
Possible Friction in
Negotiations
CONFERENCE FORM
PERSONAL INTERVIEW
REPORT OF AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN De VALERA AND UN.
IONISTS is DENIED BY
SECRETARY CHILDERS

LONDON, July 4.-The outlook
for lasting peace in Ireland Is
brighter than il has ever been in
history, declared Eamonn de Vale
ra, the Irish republican leader
as he was about TO enter into
conference tCday with NE. Lloyd
George, the British prime minister,
in an attempt to find a basis for
an adjustment of the Irish prob
lem.
Asked what he considered was
the prospect Of settlement being
brought about by the conference,
MIR. de Valera replied;
"'The outlook Is brighter than it
ever was in history"
II am sure" ne added, "that the
atmosphere in England and Ire
land is right for peace. The only
thing that is necessary now Is
for us to get down to rock bot
tom"
Ii was the first time de Valera
had spoken for publication since
his arrival in London Tuesday
evening.
'This is simply private con-
ference with Mr.. Lloyd George.
instead Of long range lombard
mert to see what can be done at
close quarters" said the republi-
can leader, who was i'm bright
and cheerful mood, in talking
with the correspondents
II have been told" he said, that
you have been rather disappointed in
my not taking more freely with you,
but ! am sure you quite understand
the difficulties of the movement.
have come to tell you that 1t is not
that ! do not wish to say number
of things to the people of Great Bril-
tain. but tina. the moment is not op.
zRRstlEss. s.-..., LOT -,
As Tar az I carr see from your
press here, which l have studied very
carefully. there is no country in the
world which n.eds more TO understand
the aspirations of the Irish people
and the right s.ad logic Of their case.
than your own people here.
II should be very glad indeed, to
put the case before your people but
as L am putting 1t before the represen.
tative OF your nation, I think 1t un-
wise TO put it before your public"
Believes In "0pen Covenants"
Asked whether he would insist on
the discussion in London being given
full publicity, Mr.. de Valera employed
Dvnuiianf NNtlcanfc nh On dania VI
he was personally in favor Of open
covenants. openly arrived at
II was announced from de Valeras
headquarters that this afternoons con.
ference would take the form OF person.
a. interview between the British prime
minister and Mr.. de Valera, no one
else being present.
Mr.. de Valera will go to Number 10
Downing street the prime minister's
official residence, for the interview at
4;S0 p. m.
Report OF Agreement Denied
Reports published that an agreement
was reached at the recent Dublin COM
ference between Eamonn de Valera
and the southern unionists regarding
the terms which would be demanded
from the British government at the
conference in London were categoricai-
ly denied today by Secretary Childers
OF the visiting Irish party.
The published report said that the
terms included. besides the provisions
OF the present government OF 1relana
act. the following:
A dominion status for southern Ire-
land; southern Ireland to be exempt
from imperial taxation and have full
fiscal autonomy; northern Ireland TO
return as IL Is at present.
Meeting Carefully Planned
London July l4.-Loaders OF tho
British government and OF the Sim
Fein met In this city and took the
first step in negotiations which, it
was hoped might dissipate the mists
OF hospitality and prejudice which for
decades have separated Albion ana
Erin. De Valera the Irish chief and
| Prime Minister Lloyd George had
planned carefully for the meeting.
which was looked upon as possible the
first stage OF new and brighter
epoch In the relations between the two
peoples. The meeting was simply to
prepare the way for further and more
important discussions. The fact that
IL was held at all was looked upon
az an earnest OF the good Intentions
OF the participants.
Preparations for the conference
were held In strict confidence by those
involved. but II was understood only q
few men would take part in the first
meeting.
Much Precaution Taken
Utmost silence was observed because
Il was felt that Observation-Disclosures
might develop from some careless word
or action and nullify all the work al
ready done to bring peace 10 ireland.
Mr.. Lloyd George spen, yesterday
afternoon at Chequers Court. HE
country home. with q number Of ad'
visers. and It was assumed they talked
over matters pertaining to tcday'o
meeting. Mr.. de Valera also held long
conferences with prominent 1rish r.
publicans. but II was Indicated ~
would enter the conference with ~
fixed formallty or policy. II was ~
he was ready TO talk over the situn'