Free trader-journal and Ottawa fair dealer. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1920-1927, 1921-07-09
LONDON GETS TIP
BRITISH SOLDIERS
WILL QUIT IRELAND.
WITH SIGNING or TRUCE WORD
is FLASHED TO LONDON THAT
TROOPS NOW IN ERIN WILL BE
WITHDRAWN AND SENT HoME.

London, July 9.-Events moved
swiftly last night both in London and
Dublin. Not only has canon dc
Valera, contrary TO the general ex
pectation consented 10 come to Lon
don to discuss with Premier Lloyd
George the basis on which settlement
of the Irish question might be reached,
but q truce has been arranged to be-
gin at noon Monday.
One point widely discussed todcy
arising out of the visit of the secle
tary for war, Sir Laming Worthing.
ton Evans, to the king yesterday, was
the possibility that the military evac-
uation OF ireland is under considera-
tion This, 1t is recalled. has been
advocated by many statesmen, includ-
ing Viscount Grey, former secretary
for foreign affairs. In view OF Gen.
Macready's attendance at the Dublin
conference 1t is believed possible such
development is actually under advise
ment
Reasonable assurance now is given
that the original conference. TO which
the prime minister invited the Irish
republican leader and Sir James
Craig, the Ulster premier, will be
held
The day started hopefully with the
king summoning the Ulster premier
TO a conference at Buckingham pal
ace. This following upon the kings
conference yesterday with Gen. Jan
Christian SHUTS, South African pre-
mier, is an indication of the intense
interest the king is taking in the
Irish problem, and although under
the traditions of the British consti-
tuition, the king has no real voice in
the direction OF government affair,
that does not prevent his exercising
great influence.
Gen SHUTS is going to Chequers
Court to spend the weekend. together
with the other premiers OF the over
seas dominions, with Lloyd George.
Gen. SHUTS evidently is the influence
in the negotiations. perhaps something
more than mere influence, for, lack
ing his active aid II Is hardly concelv-
able that events could have progress
ed as rapidly as they did today. and
the fact that the prime minister has
not stood upon the dignity OF his
office, but seemingly is willing to dis
cuss with De Valera the basis for a
general conference, is considered
hopeful
The principal events OF this impor-
tant day, however, occurred not in
London, but in Dublin. and the most
striking was the sensational appear
ance of Gen Sir Neil MacReady, the
military commander in Ireland, at the
conference of Eamonn de Velera apd
leading southern unionists, after DTS
aid de camp had been sent in nd
vance, presumably to ascertain wheth
er his participation would be agree
able.
Gen. MacReady's appearance and
long stay at the conference clearly had
to do with Lloyd Georges letter to
Earl Middleton. one of the conferees.
in which the prime minister said it
would be impossible to conduct nego-
tiations with any hope of achieving
satisfactory results If violence in Ire
land continued, and also that the Brit |
ish government would give instruc- |
tons to troops and police to suspend
active operations the moment De Vale
Ta announced his intention to enter
into conference with the British gov
eminent and TO order the cessation
of violence by those under his control. |
Gen. MacReady's presence at the
conference has additional significance
because II has been stated that the |
"militarist party in Ireland has been
strongly opposing peace negotiations
and any idea Of truce.
No report of the proceedings of |
the conference has been issued, but |
it is believed the principal topic was
truce and that Eamonn Duggan, |
Sim Fem member of Parliament |
who was released from Mount Joy |
prison few days ago. acted as in
termediary between the conference |
and the Sim Fem leaders
Opinion still inclines to the idea |
that Gen. SHUTS, owing to the i'm.
portant part he has taken in the pre-
liminary negotiations. will be the
first chairman Of the London confer
ence, even il Lloyd George presdes
during the later stages.