New-York tribune., 1921-10-15
British Cabinet Vexed bv
Reopening of Sim Fein
Courts, but Breach at
Conference Is Averted
Collins Threatens
To Bolt Meeting
-
Jokes With Lloyd George
About Z. S. Rifle After
CoodHumor IsRestored
By Arthur S. Draper

Copyright, 1921, New York Tribune Inc.
LONDON, Oct. 14.-Sharp differences
of opinion arose to-day in the sub
committee appointed by the Irish peace
conference to investigate the disposi-
tion of Irish political prisoners and the
Interpretation Of the terms of the
truce, as far as it affects the move
ments of troops and the reopening Of
Sim Fein civil courts in Ireland.
When this committee reported to the
conference at Premier Lloyd Georges
residence in Downing Street, which
later adjourned until Monday Michael
Collins, of the Sim Fein delegation, be-
came so annoyed at one juncturo that
he threatened to bolt the meeting and
return to ireland, but his colleagues
dissuaded him.
Cabinet Seeks Concessions
The Irish republicans pressed the
government for the immediate release
of all the political prisoners because
the peace atmosphere would be i'm
proved by this act and, anyway, they
said, the prisons where they are held
arc unfit for human habitation. The
government was not unwilling to grant
the request, but in return desired some
concessions from Sim Fein.
The real differences arose over the
Interpretation OF the truce. The Sim
Felners are reopening their courts. re-
organizing their army and otherwise
returning to the position they held be-
fore the government set up a military
regime in Ireland The Cabinet con-
tends that this Is violation of the
truce which was signed early in the
summer.
Lloyd George is not opposed to the
reorganization of the Sim .Fein police,
VINO nave done excellent work in pre-
serving order. In fact, it is said that
he believes that this force can COOPER
ate with the Royal Irish Constabuary
IN improving conditions in Ireland.
However, the Premier's military ad-
visers strenuously oppose the Sim
rem troops movements.
collins discussed this matter heat
edly when 1t came up, and made vari-
Gus charges against the crown forces.
1t was finally agreed that there was
little to choose between the actions of
these two rival military bodies, and as
both had done things which could hard
~ be countenanced under a strict in
terpretation Of the terms of the truce
1T would be better to let the matter
drop.
Despite this friction in the meeting
a general feeling of optimism prevails
and the results of the first week Of
deljberations are considered good. Dub
I'm is taking highly optimistic view
Delegates to See De Valera
Two or three of the Irish delegates
may return to Dublin over the week
end to see their families and discuss
the developments to date with Eamon
de Valera, president of the Irish re-
public
LONDON, Oct. ID (By The Associated
Press).-As the Irish delegation was
leaving the conference room to-day
Michael Collins, reputed commander
in chief of the Irish republican army,
noticed rifle standing in a corner.
Turning to his colleagues he humor-
ously asked: What is the meaning Of
this provocative display?' Mr.. Lloyd
George at this moment stepped from
the room and one of his secretaries
repeated Mr.. Collins's query The Pre-
nner laughed and, picking up the rifle.
explained that it was the first Ameri-
can rifle made for the World War. Mr..
Collins then suggested that he would
sit IN chair with the rifle in his hands
and that Mr.. Lloyd George should
send for q photographer. The Prime
Minister, enjoying the joke immensely,
laughlngly declined to do So