Evening star., 1921-08-18
SECRET DEBATE BEGINS.
Efforts to Approach Ulster Expect.
ed in Dublin,

DUBLIN. August 18.-The peace ne
gotiations between the British govern
ment and the Irish republican leaders
were not mentioned during this morn
ing's secret session Of the dali eireann,
or Irish parliament, 1t was announced
omcially this afternoon.
1t was the general belief that the
dail eireann would not break of
the negotiations with Great Britain
and it was thought that some action
might be taken to approach Ulster
in an effort to secure her co-opera1
ton in carrying on the conversations
in London. Mr.. de Valera stated yes
terday that he was ready to get in
ern Ireland, and that the Irish repub-
licans would make sacrifices to Ul-
ster that they would never think of
making to England"
SacFiHees Not Disclosed.
The nature of the "sacrifces'' to m
ster that Mr.. de Valera had in mind
were not disclosed yesterday, but 1t
was believed today that he would re-
veal to the members of the parliament
the steps he would advocate in bring
ing Ulster in accord with the Sim
Fein. Should such an intente be
reached, 1t was indicated yesterday.
new proposals to Great Britain might
be made. and there were observers
who expressed belief that the offer
would take the form of a proposition
to enter the commonwealth of British
dominions as an independent state. An
agreement granting Of the prime min
listers stipulations relative to naval
control of the seas about Ireland and
air bases on the island might be COM
Elementary to such an offer. in the
opinion Of men who had followed
closely the work OF. the parliament.
The possibility of calling q plebie-
cite by which the people Of southern
Ireland might give their leaders a
mandate governing their future ac-
tivities in the negotiations remained
today as one of the solutions of the
situation. In the addresses delivered
before the public sessions of the par
lament 1t appeared that stress was
laid on the principle that the chief
tains of the Irish republican move-
ment could not entertain Great Brit
aims offer. and there were many who
believed Mr.. de Valera and his COL
| leagues possibly intended to ask for
new instructions. :.
Members Look Serious.
Members of the dali eireann were
astir early this morning. and wore q
more serious look than ever when
they gathered at the Mansion House
for the days meeting. Apparently
they realized the great responsibility
they were carrying. They arrived
SlH8ly duu III SIVuPo "a young men
and young women. as most of the
members are, with an occasional vet
eran such as Count Plunkett and
Prof. Stockley. All the women were
Lin mourning. some wearing widows
weeds.
Most of these youthful Legislators
are shy and bashful. avoiding demon
! strations and displaying particular
skill in dodging the camera men, who
are displaying much activity, ap-
parently desiring to- secure pictures
Of all the dali eireann Legislators
they can, in view Of the possibility
of a break in the negotiations.
Judging from the newspaper refiec-
tions Of public opinion, however, the
people of. Dublin seem to have more
! confidence than many people abroad
that the war will not be renewed.
For instance, the Irish Independent,
! which is closest to the Sim Fein, says
this morning:
1--WE rejoice to find in Mr.. De
valera's statement n6 suggestion that
the negotiations are likely to be ter
minated =, =
Length Of Sessions -Unknown..
How long the secret sessions Of the
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