The New York herald., 1921-08-20
Rejection BY Dali Eireann
Can Only Be a Challenge
to Crowns Authority.
He Says in Commons.
WIDE SUPPORT GAINED
British Opinion Through
out the Empire and in
I. s. Behind Govern
ment, He Believes.
HOPES FOR ACCEPTANCE
Cabinet Prepares for Any
Eventuality and Parliament
Adjourns Subject to Re-
call in 48 Hours.
Special Gable 10 THE NEW YORK HraALn
Copyright, 1921. bD THE NEW YoRK HERALD

New York Herald Bureau.
London Aug 10
While Irish Republican officials
were reiterating that che British
peace terms were impossible, Prime
Minister Lloyd George told the House
OF Commons to-day, on the eve OF
two months adjournment OF Parla.
ment, that all the Governments cards
were on the table: that the offer to
the Sim Fein was final, and that q
rejection of it would be challenge to
the authority of the Crown. He made
it plain that no further concessions
would be made under any circum.
stances.
The House of Commons immedi.
ately rallied to his policy, even Her.
bert Fl. Asquith. Liberal leader, com.
mending 1t in most generous phrases.
and John Henry Thomas, Labor
leader supporting it. and saying that
the Irish question should not be
viewed from the standpoint of party
or political advantage
Basis of Proposals Fixed.
The Premier insisted that the out
line Of the British proposals cannot
\ be altered nor the basis OF them
changed. He said rejection Of them
would be an unmistakabl BILE challenge
to the authority of the Crown and the
unity Of the Empire. "and no party in
the state could possibly pass that
over without notice" He de-
clared that he was not using the
language Of menace. but that II final
rejection came steps undoubtedly
will have to be taken which the execu-
tive ought not and will not wish to
take without first consulting Parlia
ment and giving it full opportunity
Of expressing approval or disapproval
of any steps we might propose to it,
In the House OF Lords Marquis
Curzon, the Foreign Minister. said it
might be that circumstances would
compel resumption OF strife in Ire
land, but Great Britain would not be
the one to commence IL. He added
that the issue was trembling in the
balance, and that il any challenges
was given the Government would ac-
cept IL and not quail before its diff
cult task.
All London accepts the Prime Min.
listers speech as a warning to Sim
t'ein that nothing further could be
gained by fiery speeches denouncing
the terms.
Largest Measure of Freedom"
But despite these disquieting state
ments Mr.. Lloyd George added that
he hoped reason would prevail anu
that the Irish leaders would not re-
iect what he called "the largest meas
ure Of freedom ever offered them"
The Prime Minister was cheered
when he declared: Il have heard no
suggestion from any quarter in this
country. no suggestion from any part
of the world except ireland. that in
these proposals We have not gone to
the fun limit of possible concessions"
The Prime Minister put the burden
OF the decision on the peace terms
plainly up to tho Sim Fein. AMI III
this he was hacked by an almost solid
Parliament and what he called world
opinion.
1t is regarded here as an important
indication that the Government Is pre-
pating for any eventuality and that X
has summoned Cen. Sir Nevil Ma
cready. commanding the Crown forcesl
in ireland, from Dublin Tor Cabinet
meeting. which will be the fourth held
in three days
Posttton vs. strengthened.
week before the truce in the middls
or July the Governments military posi-
ton in Ireland was made stronger than
IL ever was before. These forces are
ready 10 carry out on short notice any
policy the Government may dictate.
In his speech the Prime Minister above
all made IL ciear that there would be no
further hagglng ana that Ireland's fu-
ture depended on tho decision tho Dali
Eireann takes
The temper OF the House OF Commons
left no doubt that Mr.. Lloyd George was
stronger on THIS poliCy tnan ne mas
been III many months. and II break
comes there IS every indication that
the viii II tho country win be behind
him III any measure lie takes.
Mr. Asauth il his speech emphasized
this. saying. IAN important. significant
fact Is that ve have worldwide evidence
that in principle and method the Govern
ment has behind them British opinion
throughout the Empire and opinion In
the United States
lie said II was not question be-
. ~