New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-07-15
Commonwealth Status for
Irish Predicted, With
Constitution Almost as
Liberal as That of Cuba
Crowds Pray in
Downing Street
Premier and Republican
Leader Elated; Craig to
Join Farley Tomorrow
By Arthur S. Draper

~oPt Is III. Ao-i new Olk tribune Inc.
LONDON, July Ia. Premier
Lloyd George discussed an Irish set
tlement for more than two hours to-
day with Eamon de Valera, leader
of the Sim Fein, in a drawing
room in Downing Street. When
the Premier and his guest parted
this evening, we'll satisfied with the
progress that had been made, they
arranged to resume their conversa-
tions tomorrow at the same place.
Premier Lloyd George went at
once after the conference to lay the
results Of his discussions with De
Valera before King George. The
Sim Fem leader returned to his
hotel through streets thronged with
Irish sympathizers and marked here
and there with Sim Fein flags, fear
lessly displayed. He went at once
into conference with his associates,
to whom he revealed the ground COW
cred in his talk with Lloyd George.
Preliminary Peace Work
To-day's meeting was only prelimi.
nary to the Irish peace conference. Af-
ter to-morrow's meeting it is expected
that Sir James Craig, Ulster Premier,
will discuss the general situation with
Premier Lloyd George alone. Thereafter
the leaders of the two Irish factions
can be brought together with Lloyd
George to work out the final basis of
peace.
1t is believed that a commonwealth
status for Ireland was considered at
to- days conference. De Valera argued
for defensive Sim Fein military po-
lice force. Lloyd George contended
that England's security must be unim-
paired. Apparently both are willing to
60 considerable distances toward u com
promise. On this basis it is believed
that the Sim Fein leader will aban-
don the fight for complete independence /
while the government will concede to
Ireland almost the same degree of free
dom as is enjoyed by South Africa, Civ /
ing the Irish control of their fiscal and
and military establishments under i'm
perial direction A compromise on this
basis would give Ireland constitution
almost as liberal as Cuba's.
Lloyd George and De Valera agreed
to issue single communique after
their meeting, which is bare of in
dications of the subjects discussed at
opinion that developed. Upon De Va
lera's arrival at the Premiers resi-
dence, in company with Art O'Brien,
chief of the London branch of the
Irish elf-Determination League, he
was shown into a private drawing
room, where Lloyd George awaited
him. 1t is reported that the Premier
land as if he were glad to see him.
De Valera Expresses Hope
Within ten minutes the Prime Min
the Irish republic" had settled down
into serious discussion of the problem
in hand. A few minutes before the
conference De Valera had said: 1--WE
hope that our private talk may bring
US into close touch with one another.
That may result in laying foundation
upon which can be built lasting
peace"
1t was with this object in mind that
the Premier and his guest talked.
Both sides stressed the point that the
meeting was only forerunner of the
real peace parleys.
1t was at De Valera's suggegtion
that he and the Premier met alone
first, rather than in the presence OF
leaders of other Irish factions, as we'll
as the Dominion Premiers who are in
London
In personal appearance the Premier
lao
different Lloyd George, with long,
gray hair, gold trimmed eyeglasses
dangling on the end of black ribbon,
thinks and acts quickly, his eyes fash
and his hands move constantly as he
talks. De Valera is tall and thin, his
| hair is closely cropped, and when he
speaks he drawls his words and makes
no effort at gestures.
Sim Fein Respects Truce
The negotiations to-day began in an
atmosphere conducive to success. Every
hour develops better feeling between
the Irish and English. Even the Irish
hawkers and their shrill Sim Fein
yells IN the London streets went un-
noticed. In Ireland peace reigng under
the truce. Sim Feiners are going back
| to homes from which they have been
fuginves for months and the Black
and Tans are going about unarmed.
In Dublin the city police are having
a particularly easy time, because the
Sim Fein police are watching their
own men to prevent any violation OF
the armistice.
LONDON, July IA (By The Associ-
ated Press).-What many English peo-
pie not long since would have eonsid-
cred impossible has happenedthis
meeting of the British Prime Minister
and the man whose supporters desig-
nate him president of the Irish Re-
public"
The extreme length of the private
conversation and the fact that it is
said to have ended ''amiably" and tha,
an agreement was arrived at to issue a
joint communique are interpreted as a
good augury. That the PRAYERS of hath