The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-07-14
EACH SIDE SILENT
 ON EVE OF PEACE
 FARLEY |NL0ND0N
British Premier and Irish Leader Meet This After noon to Clear Stage
 for Conference
By Associated Press

London, July 13,--A conversation which, it is hoped may mark the last act of one phase ot Ireland's troubulous history and serve as d prelude to the long sought peace In the island, is to take place in the dinSy old cabinet room in Downing street tomorrow. when the British prime minister, Mr. Lloyd George and the Irish republican leader Eamonn DeValera, meet in an effort to clear the stage for holding three party" peace conference, in which Great Britain, the Sim Fein. and Ulster VII endeavor to compose their df- l ferences
 one or the most convincing indica- tons of the fervency of the hope tnat the meeting will presage an era or peace, Is the reluctance of both the government and the Irish circles ] to discuss probable details of the nital session, both parties insisting that the situation is so delicate that i a single unfortunate word might seri- ously prejudice the proceedings or ! Jeopardze whatever chance of ui,t- mate success exists
 
 Both sides have 'propaganda miIls', tuily organized, and ready for bust. ness, but both are silent This re- l tieence is heightened by the fact that breakdown ofthe negotiations which are now finally under way would in all likelihood result in hitter re- criminations. accusations and pcs sibly the resumption of armed con flict--an aftermath which for lrs . land would be a. worse state of affairs than if the negotiations had never been instituted
 But while there was little word for the public regarding the pro !. ceedings, the eve of the conference saw intense activity in both can ps. ! The premier reviewed the situation with large staff Of advisers In the solitude of his country home. while MT. DeValera spent the day and the evening in talking with Arthur Gris- filth and other sides accompanying hin together with many London partissns. IThe bishops of Southwark and Ports- mouth were among the callers at the West End hotel, where the Irish delegation has established head I quarters
 Deny Conferences
 The government unofficislly sought to encourage the idea today that Mir DeValera's party had already been in close touch with the premier even suggesting that members of the party had been at Chequers court during the afternoon, but MT. DeValerss secretary denied that there had been any such conferences. The only ex- change of any sort between the two parties, it is said, was the premiers letter suggesting the hour of meet ing and the Irish leaders reply agree ing.
 TO question as to whether MT DeValora would enter the conference with definite policy to which he was pledged to adhere, one of his associates said
 1.-TWO weeks ago any of us could have answered that query briefly and certainly. but the position is altered now"
 Those who have followed recent events4closely interprst this as an in dicatlon that the Irish leader would not press the claim for an indepen- dent republic hut play cards" in an effort to learn the utmost Great Britain. was prepared to give, which would be submitted to the Dail Fire ann for consideration or acceptance
 Craig on Way
 Sir Thomas Craig, the Ulster pre- mier. is crossing from Belfast tonight and will be at hand if the obstacles offered by the preliminary disecs- sions are cleared. There is some un- certainly whether the premier or Devalera will have colleagues at the first meeting. The original intention
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