Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-08-15
DOMINION RULE FOR IRELAND
bR|TA|N'S Offer DE VALERA
HOLDS OUT FOR INDEPENDENCE
Ulster Ready to
Enter Conference


+ Belfast, Aug. 14-(By the Asso-
| ciated Press-The text of the Ulster
cabinets observations of the British
/ governments proposal for peace in
Ireland signed by Sir James Craig,
/ the Ulster premier, was made public
/ here this evening. The statement
says that the acceptance by the
Ulster leaders of the Original invita-
ton of the British government to
meet in conference with it in London
still holds good and that they will be
available at any time their assistance
Is again desired. The statement
reads:
My Dear Prime Minister:
Your proposals for an Irish set
tlement now have been exhaustively
examined by my cabinet and myself
We realize the preamble is especially
addressed to Mr.. De Valera and his
followers, and observe it implies that
difficulties have long existed
throughout the empire and in
America, attributable to persons of
| Irish extraction.
In fairness to the Ulster people I
| must point out that they have al
ways aimed at retention of their
citizenship in the United Kingdom
, and in the empire of which thew are
not to be found in any quarter of
the worldmoreloyal citizens than
those of Ulster descent They hold
fast to cherished traditions and
deeply resent any INFRINGEMENT of
their rights and privileges, which be-
long equally to them and to other
cltlzens within the empire"
i, The text then recalled the sacri-
fices made in agreeing to self-gov-
eminent and in consenting to the es-
adjustment of parliament in
northern ireland.
Against our wishes. but in the
interests of peace" the statement
i continues, I'VE accepted this as the
maj settlement of the long out
standing difficulty with which Great
britain has been confronted. --We-are
ousily engaged in ratifying our part
OF this solemn bargain while the
lrlshmen outside the northern area
, VINO IN the past have STRUGGLED for
nome rule have chosen to repudiate
the government of Ireland act and
press Great Britain for wider DOW
ers. To join in such pressure is re-
pugnant to the people Of northern
Ireland.
In the further interest of peace
we therefore respectfully decline. We
are determined not to inteferer with
the terms of settlement between MS
but to safeguard the ties that bind us
10 Great Britain and the empire, to
insure that we are not prejudiced by
any terms entered into between them
and Mr.. d Valera, and to maintain
the just equality exhibited through
| out the government of Ireland act.
our acceptance of YOUR original
invitation to meet in conference in
, London holds good and if any time
our assistance again is desired we
are available. But [ feel bound TO
sible between Mr.. De Valera and
myself until he recognizes that
northern Ireland will not submit to
any other authority than that of His
Majesty the King and the parliament
of the United Kingdom. and admits
the sanctity of the existing powers
and privileges of the parliament and
government of Northern Ireland.
I'm conclusion let me assure YOU
that peace is as earnestly desired by
my government and myself as by YOU
and yours and although we have
nothing left to give away we are
prepared. when you and Mr.. De Va
lera arrive at a satisfactory settle
ment, to cooperate with southern
Ireland on equal terms for the flu
ture welfare of our common country
In order to avoid any msunder-
standing or Misrepresentation of our
views. I intend to publish this letter
when your proposals are made pub
lie"