The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-08-16

London, Aug 16.-British officials in
Dow ming street were amazed this af-
ternoon when informed of the con-
tents of Eamonn de Valera's speech
before Dali Eireann in Dublin, reit-
Grating his demand for an Irish re-
public and announcing that the Sim
Fein could not negotiate further with
tho British cabinet.
Premier Lloyd George had already
departed for the house of commons
to make a statement on Upper Silesia
when the International News service
correspondent called at his official
residence.
It was learned that however provo
cative De Valeras words might be
considered, the British cabinet would
not reply to them in commons or else
where pending a formal communica-
tion from Dali Eireann.
Troops are Recalled.
De valera's speech was interpreted
as an apparent rejection of the Eng
lish peace terms. Officials COM
mented with amaZement upon the
tenor of the Sim Fein leaders ad
dress. 1t was regarded as most sig
nifiCaht that English soldiers on leave
at Farnboro and Aldershot have been
Orderd to rejoin their regiments i'm
mediately.
cially confirmed the report that all
troops on leave from Ireland are be-
ing recalled as a precautionary meas
ure. Otherwise, it was pointed out, it
would be impossible for the soldiers
to return to ireland quickly enough
should an emergency arise.
Immediately on PRONUNCIATION of the
truce in II eland large groups OF soldiers
were granted leave of absence in Eng
land. A Belfast dispatch of Monday
quoted the Irish News, the nationalist
organ, as claiming to have unquestion-
able authority for stating that the
British governments preparations for
renewal of conflict in Ireland, conse-
duent on the possible abrogation of
the truce which has existed since July
II. had been speeded up within the
last three days to such an extent that
they were virtually completed.
PIebiscite Hoped For.
All eyes in England today were
strained toward Dublin, where the
Sim Fein parliament is holding its
most momentous session to debate the
English peace terms
The governments offer and the
meeting of Dali Eireann were the most
prominent topics in the morn
ing papers. In some quarters the hope
was freely expressed that the Sim
Fein parliament would order a pleb-
iscite in Ireland on the English offer.
Il hope the negotiations will be con-
tinued." said George Russell. a promi-
nent writer. who was interviewed by
the Dublin correspondent Of the Daily
News. If Dali Eireann is unable to
come to an agreement, the Irish peo-
pie should be given opportunity to eX-
press their views thru a referendum" F"
Break Is Indicated.
Dublin. Aug. 16.-Indications that
the Sim Fein might break off peace
negotiations with the British cabinet
were contained in Eamonn de Valera S
speech before the Sim Fein parlia-
ment at Dublin today. The most sig
nificant assertions in de Valera S
speech were:
THE Irish republic has been sane
toned by the will of the people and
we solemnly declare we will give our
lives to make the expression of the
people effective. We stand for our
principles and will die for them If nee
essary. The irish people recognize
only the Sim Fein cabinet and Dali
Eireann as their government 1t is
impossible to negotiate with the pres
Continued on Page Two.)