Arizona republican., 1921-05-06
ULSTER PREMIER. EXPLAINS IRISH. .V|E WS IN MEET WITH DE VALERA
Conference At Dublin May Have Important Bearing On Future Of Nation, Observers Assert
A. p. Leased Wirel

BELFAST, May 5.-Sir James Craig, premier designate for Ulster, and Professor Ramon de Valera, the Irish republican leader. had a con- ference on Irish affairs in Dublin to- day, it was announced officially. It was added that they exchanged theAr respective viewpoints.
 The discussion between Sir James and Professor de Valera it was said, was quite apart from the position in Ulster, which remains unchanged.
 Meeting Has important Bearing
 DUBLIN, May 5.-The meeting of Sir James Craig and Professor de Valera today is regarded here as of great importance, in view of Profes- sor de Nalera's S proclamation to the Irish people early this week, in which he referred to provision for such revolution in the administration of home affairs as to make for satis- faction and contentment. Sir James a few days ago expressed wish to meet the republican leader.
 The belief prevails that the object of the conference was an endeavor by Sir James to secure from De Va lera an interpretation of this phrase in De Valera's proclamation.
 The departure of Viscount Fltz- alan. governor general of Ireland. for London is supposed to have a bear ing on peace negotiations
 The announcement that Sir James had interviews with both Niveroy Fitzalan and De Valera has created interest. They are being especially connected with the reports of the Earl of Derbys interview with De Valera and Sir James call fer a special meeting of the unionist party in Belfast tomorrow.
 Gives Hope for Peace
 The conference between Sir James and De Valera is regarded as hope ful sign of peace. It is said to in volve on De Valera's part no neces- sary change in attitude. It also was said today De Valera might meet Sir James without affecting his position.
 In political quarters it was de- clared that the latest move of Sir James required courage. It was as- serted he has a critical situation to face and that the elections ir the north may provoke cross-currents and differences from the extreme Protestants, as we'll as from the pro- hibitionists and others in the hurry over conventional reforms. Since as- suming resuming responsibility for the future of the Ulster government. 1t was said, Sir James has realized
 
 south. and, while determined to maintain separate the rights of the north, he was anxious to secure an agreement for the management by the central council of matters com mon to all Ireland.
 Political leaders asserted that the 1 main difficulty between Sir James and De Valera was that Sir James favored starting with home rule and advancing afterward to common ac- tion. while De Valera desired tc 1 start with unity. but was willing tc 1 accord the north of Ireland all nec- l essary devolution. There is reason here for the belief that councillors 1 on both sides have been consulted l The attitude of the government ap- | pears to be in favor of any movement | for peace between the north anc south and willingness to make an, 1 modified tions in the home rule ac on which the north and south cal agree.